Effects of hydroxycitrate, conjugated linoleic acid, and guar gum on food intake, body weight regain, and metabolism after body weight loss in male rats

This study examined whether guar gum (Guar) and/or conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) modifies the long-term effect of hydroxycitrate (HCA) on food intake and body weight regain as well as on different blood and liver variables after substantial body weight loss. A total of 63 rats were fed restrictively for 10 days, then divided into seven groups and switched to ad libitum consumption. The diet contained 70% (w/w) carbohydrates, 9% protein, and 12% fat. HCA (3%) significantly suppressed food intake and body weight regain and neither CLA (1%) nor Guar (3%) increased the effect of HCA on these parameters. Also, CLA and Guar alone had no effect on food intake and body weight regain. The liver fat content of the combined HCA/CLA groups was significantly lower compared to that of the control group. All in all, this study confirms the robustness of the HCA effectiveness to reduce food intake and body weight regain after a period of restrictive feeding. (C) 2004 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.