In the battle against obesity, Yale University researchers may have discovered a new weapon - a naturally occurring molecule secreted by the gut that makes rats and mice less hungry after fatty meals. The findings are published in the Nov. 26 issue of the journal Cell.  The report suggests the molecule may help regulate how much animals and people eat, according to the team headed by Gerald I. Shulman. The team studied a family of lipids called N-acylphosphatidylethanolamines, or NAPEs, which are synthesized and secreted into the blood by the small intestine after fatty foods are eaten.

Sunwin International Neutraceuticals, Inc. has announced the production launch of Rebaudioside A 95. It is one of the highest Stevia grades available in the market today. Sunwin’s stevia is an all natural product derived from naturally sweet Stevia plant cultivars. Sunwin’s Reb A 95 is comprised of 99.5% steviol glycosides, the naturally occurring compounds that give stevia its sweetness. Stevia is used worldwide for decades as a sweetening agent and is highly recommended for people suffering from diabetes and obesity. Applications are already pending in front of the US Food and Drug Administration for approval.

A study, performed by a team led by Professor Li Liang, has indicated that short-term lifestyle intervention should be the first step in the management of children suffering from non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The research to be published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology has suggested that dietary restriction and exercise has resulted in improved liver function in patients with NAFLD, relative to the short-term vitamin E capsule therapy.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has advised consumers not to purchase or consume Total Body Formula in the Tropical Orange and Peach Nectar flavors, or Total Body Mega Formula in the Orange/Tangerine flavor. According to the FDA, the liquid dietary supplement products may cause severe adverse reactions, including substantial hair loss, diarrhea, excessive joint pain and muscle cramps, and fatigue. Total Body Essential Nutrition of Atlanta has voluntarily recalled the products that have been distributed in Alabama, Pennsylvania, California, Georgia, Florida, Louisiana, Kentucky, New Jersey, Missouri, Michigan, North Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia.

According to the data from Phase III study of Merck’s taranabant, obese patients taking the drug experienced substantial weight loss when the drug was combined with diet and exercise. Patients who were taking 2 mg of taranabant during the study reported double the weight loss compared to patients being treated with placebo.