Shortfalls of selenium cause thyroid function to stall, making weight loss extremely challenging. A study of 1,900 adults, researchers found that women with lower levels of selenium were more likely to have thyroid damage than those with adequate levels. And as the thyroid becomes increasingly damaged, metabolism slows further, and the body burns fewer calories and stores more fat. In addition, women begin to experience a host of non specific symptoms, including tiredness, anxiety and hair loss. Research shows that supplementation can reduce early markers of thyroid dysfunction by as much as 50 percent, while a controlled study found that supplementing with selenium improved thyroid function 43 percent more than a placebo — and subjects lost 90 percent more midsection fat as well. In a separate 2016 study, researchers at the University of Alberta in Canada found that Selenium increase in dietary intake corresponded to a 6% decrease in body fat. (22). The maintenance of a physiological concentration of selenium is a prerequisite not only to prevent thyroid disease but also to maintain overall health. (22.A). Research has shown that dietary supplementation with Selenium can reduce fasting serum insulin concentrations and the insulin resistance index. (22.B).

Body fat gets stored in adipose tissue. Once fat is stored in this tissue, it is hard to get rid of. That’s why some people just can’t seem to get rid of certain fatty spots, including “love handles” or a fatty “tire” around the abdomen. The body does possess an enzyme called hormone-sensitive lipase that is capable of breaking down fat stored in adipose tissue. But this enzyme is not especially active. This is where rhodiola rosea comes in. Extracts of rhodiola rosea have the capacity to activate hormone-sensitive lipase, thus increasing the breakdown of fat stored in adipose tissue. (20) Some writers refer to it as “a miracle cure for weight loss and depression.” (20.A) Rhodiola offers comprehensive treatment of stress symptoms and can prevent chronic stress and stress-related complications. (20.B)

Snacking is a common habit that may put you at risk of gaining unwanted weight. According to research, saffron help prevent snacking by curbing your appetite. In one eight-week study, women taking saffron supplements felt significantly more full, snacked less frequently, and lost significantly more weight than women in the placebo group. In another eight-week study, taking a saffron extract supplement helped significantly reduce appetite, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and total fat mass. One theory derived from studies, implies that saffron elevates your mood, which in turn reduces your desire to snack. (21) (21.A)

BioPerine is a patented piperine extract, containing at least 95% piperine in a form that is well absorbed by your body. Piperine has been shown to increase the absorption of several nutrients and beneficial plant compounds, including curcumin, beta carotene, and selenium. studies show that piperine could possess powerful anti-inflammatory properties to help keep chronic inflammation at bay. According to some test-tube and animal studies, piperine could help stabilize blood sugar levels by increasing the absorption of sugar into your body’s cells, preventing insulin resistance. (6)

Research has shown that CoQ10 plays several key roles in your body. One of its primary functions is to help generate energy in your cells. It’s involved in making adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is involved in energy transfer within cells. Its other crucial role is to serve as an antioxidant and protect cells from oxidative damage. Excessive amounts of free radicals lead to oxidative damage, which can interfere with regular cell functioning. This is known to cause many health conditions. Given that ATP is used to carry out all the body’s functions and oxidative damage is destructive to cells, it is not surprising that some chronic diseases have been linked to low levels of CoQ10. (9) (9.A)

Panax ginseng, also known as Asian ginseng, is a revered medicinal root in traditional Eastern medicine, celebrated for its adaptogenic properties. Modern research indicates that it may aid in weight management and metabolic health. In a randomized controlled trial, ginseng supplementation resulted in significant reductions in body fat and improvements in lean muscle mass among overweight individuals. Studies have shown that ginseng can modestly lower fasting blood glucose levels in both diabetic and non-diabetic populations . Animal studies further suggest that ginseng may reduce fat accumulation, enhance insulin sensitivity, and improve lipid profiles by lowering LDL cholesterol and triglycerides . These findings position Panax ginseng as a promising natural adjunct in addressing obesity and metabolic syndrome. (15)

L-theanine is what’s known as an anxiolytic—it works to reduce anxiety. Some anxiolytics, such as valerian and hops, have sedative effects. L-theanine, on the other hand, promotes relaxation and stress reduction without sedating. L-theanine can help foster a state of calm, attentive wakefulness. L-theanine has positive effects on both the mental and physical symptoms of stress, including lowering heart rate and blood pressure. The anti-anxiety and sleep-promoting abilities of L-theanine may help people to maintain a healthy weight. After all, getting enough sleep and limiting stress are both key to sticking with a healthy diet and avoiding weight gain. L-theanine may also play a more direct role in weight maintenance. There’s scientific evidence indicating L-theanine may help to limit fat accumulation and weight gain, and pay help to protect against obesity. (16) (16.A)

Manganese appears to play a role in regulating blood sugar. Additionally, manganese is heavily concentrated in the pancreas. Manganese may contribute to the proper secretion of insulin and help stabilize blood sugar. Due to its role as part of the powerful antioxidant superoxide dismutase (SOD), manganese may reduce inflammation. Research suggests that SOD is potentially useful as a therapeutic agent for inflammatory disorders. (17) (17.A)

Potassium iodide (KI) is a medication and dietary supplement. As a dietary supplement, it has utility in patients with low iodine intake. As a prescribed medication, it is used to treat severe hyperthyroidism, cutaneous inflammatory dermatoses, nuclear emergencies, and to protect the thyroid gland when using radiopharmaceuticals. (19) Low iodine levels may slow your metabolism and encourage food to be stored as fat, rather than be burned as energy. This may lead to weight gain. (19.A)