ThinStick Science

The Studies: Several double-blind, placebo-controlled studies all tested administration of a yogurt containing this fat emulsion (studied under the name Olibra) versus a control yogurt with an equivalent added amount of milk fat. Group sizes, demographics, and study designs varied, but the results were consistent in demonstrating significant decreases (13-34%) in caloric intake at 4 and 8-hour intervals post-yogurt in the test versus control subjects receiving the placebo yogurt.  One study tested long-term effects of single-dose administration of yogurt containing 5g Olibra, and noted significant decreases in caloric intake by up to 30% (dose-dependent) over an extended 36-hour period.  Subjects also filled out subjective questionnaires, and in one study they reported feeling 30% less hungry, had a 25% reduction in their desire to eat, and a 16% reduction in preoccupation with thoughts of food. The most recent study, published in the International Journal of Obesity in 2007, shows very promising results regarding long-term weight management.  During a 25-week trial including 50 overweight women (BMI 25-32 kg/m2), two 5 gram daily doses of Olibra-containing yogurt were administered to the test group from weeks 8 through 25.  As a result, there was no significant re-gain of the weight lost in the test subjects, whereas the placebo group showed a mean 40% re-gain! In addition, the test group demonstrated reduced waist circumference after 25 weeks, while the control group it increased.

Clinical Applications: Based on the research, there is now an effective dietary tool to support patients with their weight management through improved appetite control.  Help them to increase satiety, decrease food cravings, and decrease their total caloric intake in the short-term. And in the long-term it can support them in maintaining the benefits of the weight they lose as a result of other medical, dietary and lifestyle interventions. This is especially important for patients with increased abdominal fat, which is associated with adverse clinical effects such as hyperinsulinemia, dyslipidemia, glucose tolerance, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and even some cancers.

This fat emulsion powder is available in the US as ThinStick (6 grams Olibra) and as a meal replacement formula, ThinStick Shake (12 grams Olibra, plus protein and vitamin/mineral combination), both produced exclusively by Metabolic Maintenance Products.