Throwing One’s Weight Around: Profiling Weight Loss Ingredients

by Lisa Schofield | May 1, 2025

Because weight-loss products improve self-image as well as health, the category continues to thrive.

We tend to cheerlead people who are on a weight-loss regimen and are seeing success; and we tend to also be inspired and motivated to do so ourselves should we feel the need to slim down.

How can the weight-loss product category not be filled with anticipation and excitement? Suppliers are feeling it and have lots to offer.

According to Niki Kennedy, director, insights and content, Glanbia Nutritionals, Illinois, 47 percent of Americans say they are currently trying to lose weight, and maintaining a healthy weight is the second most important health priority for all U.S. consumers, based on one of Glanbia’s recent consumer studies, in the U.S., weight management is the top priority for women ages 45 to 55 and ranks among the top three for women under 45. “While weight has been at the forefront for many consumers, the approach to weight loss has changed dramatically. Now with more ways than ever to manage weight, consumers are personalizing their choices to what fits best with their lifestyle and many are aligning with a natural approach,” she commented.

The market only gets larger with no sign of slimming. Grand View Research data shows that the global weight loss supplement market reached $33.14 billion in 2024 and is expected to log in at approximately $71.6 billion by 2030, with a CAGR 13.7 percent through 2030. “The weight management supplement sector is witnessing an impressive surge, largely driven by the prominence of weight loss pharmaceuticals,” commented Rob Brewster, president, Ingredients by Nature, California.

Florencia Moreno Torres, global business development manager health & nutrition, Rousselot, Texas observed, “One of the most interesting shifts we’ve seen in recent years is the reframing of weight loss from a ‘one-and-done’ task to an ongoing journey. More consumers are familiar with the dangers of dieting fads and are less inclined to see healthy eating as an act of self-deprivation, viewing it instead through the lens of self-care through sustainable lifestyle changes.”

She added that increasing understanding of the impact of processed foods, disrupted sleep, sedentary lifestyle and high stress can have on metabolic function are “spurring consumers to action,” as 42 percent of Americans are currently trying to lose weight.

Sydney Staedt, marketing manager, Bioenergy Life Science, Minnesota, also sees a shift from immediate gratification to long-term goals. “Consumers are increasingly aware that sustainable weight management involves more than simply losing weight; it also includes maintaining energy, metabolic flexibility and cellular resilience. This awareness has led to a growing demand for scientifically validated ingredients that both support a healthy weight and enhance overall well-being.

The weight loss market can’t be discussed in an article without mentioning the juggernaut that is the class of GLP-1 medications—the magic bullet weight-loss pill. This, emphasized Kash Rocheleau, CEO, Oregon-based Icon Foods, is the reason why the natural weight loss market is undergoing a significant transformation. “The rise of GLP-1 receptor agonists like Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro is reshaping how people approach weight loss,” he said.

This is spurring the industry to evolve by creating effective and safe adjacent-solutions that align with GLP-1 users’ nutritional needs, such as high-protein, fiber-rich and gut-health-focused products that support satiety, metabolic efficiency and muscle preservation. Weight loss consumers, he pointed out, now are also looking for products that support gut health, stress management, sleep optimization and hormone balance—these goals are sparking interest in probiotic and prebiotic formulations, adaptogenic herbs and functional foods designed to support overall well-being rather than just weight loss.

GLP-1 prescriptions are now available online, and this drug class has made a cultural impact. In fact, observed Mariana Ortega, science marketing manager, Suannutra, Madrid, Spain, “The rise of GLP-1 medications has become one of the most influential forces in modern health and wellness culture. Far from being a temporary trend, it represents a deeper societal shift in how people approach weight, health and medical intervention. In 2025, this momentum continues to accelerate, with wide-reaching implications across health care, consumer behavior and the supplement industry.”

Many users do not remain on GLP-1 medications indefinitely—typical duration of use is between six and 12 months, giving rise to excellent opportunities for our industry to formulate effective and safe products for the post-GLP-1 period. Stated Ortega, “A large segment of ‘post-GLP-1’ consumers is emerging, individuals who have experienced results and are now seeking safe, sustainable strategies to maintain progress. This represents a compelling long-term opportunity for supplements designed to support ongoing wellness.”

Shil Kothari, president, Gateway Health Alliances, Inc., California, sees a plus side to the GLP-1 wave—“there is growing consumer interest in holistic approaches to weight management, encompassing both mental and physical well-being,” he observed.

However, there are mounting concerns about the side effects that such drugs impose such as muscle loss, digestive issue/nausea, and when medication ceases, weight rebound. For this population, said Andrea Zangara, head of scientific marketing and medical affairs, Euromed SA, Barcelona, Spain the demand is increasing for natural solutions that support appetite regulation, accelerate fat metabolism and preserve muscle mass.

Additionally, he noted, “The weight management industry is shifting from traditional weight loss strategies to healthy body composition and overall metabolic health. Consumers are now focusing on improving their diet rather than just losing weight, recognizing the importance of nutrition for overall well-being.”

There are several growing avenues of supporting weight loss. For example, offered James Roza, CSO, California-based Layn Natural Ingredients, the role that oxidative stress plays is a causative factor in weight gain. Additionally, he explained, high HCA-1 levels are generated by insulin insensitivity. Insulin insensitivity and excess abdominal fat are closely related and are prominent factors of metabolic syndrome. “Inflammaging, a term used to describe chronic low-grade inflammation, is a major contributing factor to these conditions and oxidative stress is closely related to both,” he said.

Thom King, Icon Foods’ chief innovations officer emphasized, “Sugar remains public enemy No. 1 as it is the top contributor to diabesity.”

But perhaps the largest challenge experienced by anyone who is starting a weight-loss lifestyle protocol is controlling hunger. “Once the idea of losing weight and improving health sets in, starting is the hard part, especially as hunger hormones tend to be in overdrive,” said Annie Eng, CEO, HP Ingredients, Florida. “Therefore, formulating products that support the proper functioning of ghrelin and leptin can appeal to nearly everyone who is looking to lose weight the healthy way.”

Shut Your Mouth

For anyone who wants to drop 10 pounds or more, controlling that runaway, rapacious appetite is like trying to lasso a cheetah chasing breakfast. Not impossible, but seriously difficult and frustrating. It isn’t easy to just shut one’s mouth.

Two hormones are responsible for appetite. Leptin signals satiety while ghrelin is the “hungry” hormone. Interestingly, leptin is released by fat cells, while ghrelin is produced by the stomach. Ghrelin increases food intake and helps the body store fat through stimulating the hypothalamus. It has been discovered that people who are obese or overweight have leptin-resistance.

HP Ingredients’ CitruSlim, a unique blend of signature ingredients Bergamonte Citrus bergamia Risso and Adapticort Eurycoma longifolia. In a 12-week randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled study, supplementation with either 650 or 1,300 mg Bergamonte significantly reduced ghrelin by 6.89 percent and 14.90 percent, respectively.

CitruSlim has other weight-health advantages, too. Two human studies have demonstrated that its content of naringin, rutin and neoericitrin activate adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and related fat-burning gene signals, preventing buildup of fat in the liver cells; AMPK is a crucial enzyme required to burn fat and sugar. AMPK activation can prevent abdominal fat accumulation.

In a human clinical study, participants in the CitruSlim group showed significant body weight loss of an average of 2.7 kg, with 2.4 kg in body fat loss, suggesting 87 percent of the total weight loss was in loss of fat. On the other hand, participants in the placebo group did not show significant body weight loss (0.78 kg) or body fat loss (0.55 kg).

Pomanox pomegranate fruit extract from Euromed, naturally regulates appetite, stress-related weight gain, and gut microbiota balance, according to Zangara. Clinical trials confirm reductions in body fat, increased lean mass, and lower cortisol levels. A human study showed that participants consuming Pomanox daily for three weeks felt significantly less hungry and experienced greater post-meal satiety. Zangara noted that recently published preclinical research further suggests that the extract helps prevent metabolic imbalances associated with high fructose consumption, including weight gain, hepatic fat accumulation, systemic inflammation and gut dysbiosis.

JBSL USA’s (Walnut Creek, CA) Chalcurb, derived from the sap of the Ashitaba plant is abundant in flavonoids called chalcones. Vincent Hackel, CEO and president of JBSL USA noted that human clinical studies show that Chalcurb supports weight management, “especially in targeting visceral fat, and has also shown effects of decreasing the hunger hormone ghrelin.”

Nexira’s new, patent-pending ingredient, Carolean, is a blend of actives derived from cactus and carob, to help control appetite and GLP-1, according to Leslie Lannabere, marketing manager for the New Jersey-based company. Carolean supports natural GLP-1 secretion, the hormone that regulates appetite and satiety. “According to Scientific Reports, ‘texture and viscosity are key to feeling full and satisfied,” she cited. “Carolean has been shown to reach peak viscosity in 15 minutes, triggering satiety faster than market standards; and after 80 minutes, it continues to optimize digestion.

A 2024 in-vivo study confirmed Carolean’s efficacy in appetite regulation, she added. The study showed it significantly reduced food intake, with participants consuming up to 47 percent less food after three weeks of supplementation. It significantly slowed gastric emptying both acutely and chronically, and it reduced ghrelin by 67 percent.

Protein is a food-based tool for appetite management. Protein induces and sustains satiety and longer-term supports lean muscle mass, so, said Kennedy, it is critical on any weight loss protocol. “Protein fortification of many indulgent and savory snack options provides more convenient options to adopting a healthier, more nutrient dense diet,” she explained.

Accelerating thermogenesis, especially when the consumer has added regular workouts to a weight-loss program, is an important part of slimming down. Glanbia Nutritionals’ CapsiAtra is “a superior alternative to capsaicin without the adverse effects,” noted Kennedy. “CapsiAtra is a synthetic dihydrocapsiate similar to capsaicin, and has been shown to support weight management and endurance without the negative side effects of pungency, elevated heart rate and elevated blood pressure.”

Euromed’s perFix persimmon fruit extract, the newest addition to Euromed’s Mediterranean fruit and vegetable extracts, targets fat loss while preserving muscle mass, according to Zangara. A recently published 120-day, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in overweight adults demonstrated significant reductions in weight and fat mass, with 90 percent of the weight loss coming from fat, along with notable improvements in waist, abdominal and hip circumference. without any changes to diet or exercise habits. “Remarkably, most benefits emerged by the study’s midway point (60 days),” he commented.

Natural GLP-1 Support

There are millions of people who want to lose weight but are ineligible for GLP-1 drugs, or simply cannot afford the sky-high costs. Enter the dietary supplement industry to the healthier rescue!

Eriomin is a proprietary blend of citrus flavonoids, mainly comprised of eriocitrin, from Ingredients by Nature. According to Brewster, Eriomin has shown promising effects on GLP-1 secretion and healthy blood sugar regulation. In three randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled human clinical trials, Eriomin supplementation (200 mg daily) demonstrated significant improvements to baseline GLP-1 levels. “Across these studies, participants experienced an average increase of 17.5 percent in GLP-1 compared to placebo, with one study showing increases as high as 22 percent. These findings suggest that Eriomin can effectively support the body’s natural GLP-1 production and function,” he said.

According to Kothari, the popularity of GLP-1 drugs prompted Gateway Health Alliances to evaluate the GLP-1-enhancing properties of two of its weight management ingredients Dyglomera (Dichrostachys glomerata) and CQR-300 (Cissus quadrangularis). These patented ingredients have been shown to work through complementary mechanisms, including appetite suppression, improved insulin sensitivity and inhibition of fat formation. Previous studies involving more than 1,100 participants confirm their role in improving metabolic balance, reducing body weight, and enhancing key hormonal pathways linked to appetite and glucose metabolism.

A 2024 clinical study confirmed that both botanical extracts significantly enhance GLP-1 levels, supporting healthy weight management and metabolic wellness, he stated. The 12-week, randomized, placebo-controlled trial with 90 overweight participants (BMI 25-30) demonstrated that daily supplementation with 400 mg of Dyglomera or 300 mg of CQR-300 led to GLP-1 increase by 68 and 56 percent, respectively; inhibition of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4), the enzyme that degrades GLP-1 (59, and 54 percent), body weight loss (17 and 14 percent) as well as body fat (31 and 27 percent); and reduced calorie intake (24 and 20 percent).

The previously mentioned in vivo study of Nexira’s Carolean also found that it promoted a two-fold increase in GLP-1 secretion.

Antioxidant Avenues

“The recognition that oxidative stress is a causative factor in many health conditions such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes but also its impact on weight management has started new conversations on how consumers can maintain a healthy lifestyle,” Roza explained. “This was exemplified in a human clinical trial conducted by Layn on our ingredient SophorOx. The results of this published study demonstrated the ingredient’s positive impact on reducing oxidative stress and its ability in improving body composition in individuals with metabolic dysfunction. These individuals saw a significant reduction in waist circumference measurement and weight loss over a two-month period.”

Euromed’s perFix is found to enhance fat excretion and provides antioxidant support, contributing to overall metabolic health. According to Zangara, its polyphenol-rich composition offers additional anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits, further promoting wellness and vitality. Participants also reported improved mental well-being, aligning with FMCG Gurus data linking waistline health to both physical and emotional wellness.

Metabolaid, Suannutra’s patented blend of Hibiscus sabdariffa and Lippia citriodora polyphenols, has been shown to support weight management through AMPK activation, which plays a key role in energy balance and fat metabolism. In addition, Ortega noted, research suggests that it may help stimulate GLP-1 production, which is associated with satiety and appetite control. A new clinical study evaluated its effects at a dose of 300 mg, to understand its potential at lower doses.

“In the past 18 to 20 months, there has been a growing interest in Bioenergy’s RiaGev’s as a powerful weight management tool because it simultaneously increases NAD+, ATP and glutathione levels,” commented Staedt. Additionally, she reported, Bioenergy’s research demonstrates that RiboActiv, a low, hormetic dose of Bioenergy Ribose, significantly elevates AMPK, leading to more energy, better weight management, and enhanced blood glucose management among other benefits.

Sugar cravings seem to have a will of their own, and are so difficult to overpower. Here, formulating with sugar replacements will go a long way to help manage healthier diet for weight loss; and they can be included in gummy or chew weight-management supplements. Bionergy recently launched SweetR, what Staedt described as a versatile, all-natural sugar replacement. “SweetR offers a metabolically friendly option that sweetens without large blood sugar spikes. SweetR supports healthy weight management and is associated with optimized natural energy metabolism for sustained vitality throughout the day,” she said.

According to King, Icon Foods recently introduced two new fiber blends to help manufacturers increase fiber content without causing digestive discomfort. FibRefine 3.0 includes soluble tapioca fiber, chicory root inulin and polydextrose, while Organic FibRefine 3.5 features organic soluble tapioca fiber, organic agave inulin and organic gum acacia. He explained, “The three fibers in each blend metabolize at different rates, allowing for up to 15 g of fiber per serving without the gastrointestinal issues that can occur with using a single fiber. Increased fiber can support weight management by promoting satiety, reducing overall calorie consumption and it aligns with the needs of consumers using GLP-1 agonists. These blends are about 30 percent as sweet as sugar, so when paired with natural sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit, they can support sugar reduction.”

The weight-loss/management category will always be hefty and a large number of consumers at any time are seriously seeking to get into healthy shape by losing fat weight, while gaining muscle weight. There are numerous options to help them get there. NIE