Insulin resistance and weight gain

Published by Calivita Partner in Weight loss · 27 February 2023
Tags: slimming, chromium, insulin, diabetes

Chromium is an important mineral that plays a role in glucose metabolism as part of the chromodulin molecule that helps the hormone insulin perform its functions in the body. Insulin is a hormone released by the pancreas, thanks to which glucose can enter the cells through the cell receptors to which insulin binds. Insulin resistance, defined as the body's impaired response to insulin, is the pre-diabetes phase of transition to full-blown type 2 diabetes, which prevents glucose from entering cells and being used. In this way, excess glucose is converted into fat and stored in the body - in the liver, subcutaneous tissue, etc. Chromium affects glucose metabolism and enables faster transport of glucose across the membrane by another insulin-independent mechanism - by activating the AMPK enzyme. Several studies have shown that the activation of AMPK by drugs or other natural means increases glucose transport in the muscles, independent of the action of insulin! The addition of chromium stimulates the activation of AMPK, which leads to a reduction in the level of cholesterol in the cell membrane and better transport of glucose.

Reducing hunger

Most people who have tried to lose weight and keep it off are familiar with the feeling of hunger and the strong desire to eat. Hunger is the main obstacle to a long-term, and therefore healthier, weight loss regime, which in the long run leads to a healthy, gradual reduction of body fat, i.e. obtaining the desired results. In an 8-week study, 1000 μg of chromium picolinate per day reduced food intake, hunger and cravings in healthy overweight women. Other studies have focused on people with binge eating disorders and/or depression, as these groups may potentially benefit most from suppressing appetite or hunger. The eight-week study involved 113 people with depression who were divided into two groups - one received 600 μg of chromium/day in the form of chromium picolinate, while the other group received a placebo. Significant reductions in appetite and appetite were observed in the chromium-treated group compared to the placebo group. In addition, another smaller study looked at the possible benefits of chromium in people suffering from overeating disorders. Doses of 600 to 1000 μg of chromium per day led to a reduction in the frequency of overeating episodes and depressive symptoms.

Slimming

One large systematic analysis (meta-analysis) examined 9 different studies involving overweight people to get a complete picture of whether this mineral is beneficial for weight loss. Overall, this analysis showed that chromium picolinate alone, without dieting, led to a weight loss of 1.1 to 2.4 kg after 12 to 16 weeks of use in overweight or obese adults. Chromium bioavailability can be increased by additional intake of vitamins C and B3 and amino acids, especially phenylalanine, methionine and histidine, which can bind inorganic chromium in the stomach and improve its absorption in the small intestine. You can find these amino acids in Shake One or Glam Up products.

When we need more chrome

In diabetes and insulin resistance, because chromium enhances the action of insulin, and each deficiency of chromium causes glucose regulation disorders.
In the case of elevated triglycerides and reduced HDL - good cholesterol.
In all slimming diets, especially in middle-aged and elderly people who have insulin resistance, diabetes, high blood pressure, so in general, these are factors that prevent and complicate the weight loss process!
In trauma and stress, because the hormones secreted in stressful situations (glucagon and cortisol) change the metabolism of glucose, and thus of chromium itself.
In polycystic ovary syndrome because it is associated with insulin resistance.
In the aging process, as research shows that the concentration of chromium in the body decreases with age, so the older population is more likely to be deficient in chromium compared to the younger population.
With constant physical exertion, because chromium is excreted in the urine, which means that it is additionally needed by athletes and all those who practice sports recreationally.