CLA and Body Fat

Recently I saw an article that talked about conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and its relation to weight loss. In the past, CLA has been part of studies for its anti-cancer properties, which may hinder the growth of tumors in mammary, skin, and colon tissues.

Regarding CLA's link to weight loss, studies in human diets show that it tends to reduce body fat, particularly abdominal fat, increase lean muscle and may decrease glucose uptake. Due to changes in the diet of the average American, intake of CLA has fallen. An example of this is when the fat is removed from a dairy product to make a low fat version--CLA is removed along with it. The food with the highest concentration of CLA is kangaroo meat, but for vegetarians, there are plenty of CLA supplements on the market.

If you're interested in taking CLA to help with weight loss, keep in mind that it's not a magic pill, and you will need to start a program of diet and exercise in order to successfully lose weight and keep it off. And of course, always consult your doctor before starting any diet regimen.
-Community Assistant