Despite the relative simplicity of remaining in an energy deficit over time, the goal of fat loss remains ever elusive. Just because science understands the mechanisms behind what causes someone to lose weight doesn’t mean it’s easy, and it doesn’t mean there aren’t other factors at play that complicate things.
For this reason, there have been hundreds of methods suggested to speed up the process – some good, some ineffectual, and some yet to be determined.
In this article, you’ll learn about ten of the most interesting methods modern science is currently investigating!
AI-Personalized Diets
It’s likely no surprise to anyone at this point that artificial intelligence (AI) is starting to be utilized to help people lose fat.
Many researchers are now exploring the efficacy of AI-guided diets, which use a person’s unique biomarkers for bespoke, detailed dietary recommendations on what and when to eat.
These methods will likely be rolled out in high volume in the coming years.
1. Cold Exposure
Popularized by Wim Hof many years back, cold exposure methods have been around for a while, boasting a plethora of novel health benefits for those who engage in them.
Science is still investigating how healthful the practice is, and one area many remain intrigued by is the potential for enhanced fat loss. It’s thought that brown fat (beige adipose tissue) is activated during cold plunges and showers specifically, enabling the body to burn extra calories.
2. Microbiome Products
Another popular topic is the microbiome. There’s been a lot of research looking into the way the gut influences every aspect of the body, including the brain, and it’s also been implicated in fat loss.
Many companies are now releasing probiotic products containing strains like Akkermansia, as some preliminary studies have shown they have the potential to improve insulin sensitivity and, therefore, fat loss.
3. Yohimbine
Yohimbine is derived from the bark of the yohimbe tree, and many researchers have investigated it for its fat-burning potential.
Some papers have shown that there may be benefits to taking it while fasting, as it could help with fat oxidation by inhibiting certain adrenergic receptors in the body. The theory goes that this would help the cardiovascular system utilize fatty acids for fuel.
However, it is not currently scheduled for human consumption and is thought to potentially pose serious health risks.
4. Peptide-Based Lipolytics
Lipolytic peptides are another type of fat loss aid that has shown promise in research.
These peptides seem to have the ability to break down fat cells and are currently being explored in phase 2 trials. Researchers are experimenting with specific designs, such as those that target abdominal fat, for example.
It may be that products hit the shelves in the near future, offering consumers a novel way of boosting fat loss success in stubborn areas; they represent the potential for designer drugs that tap into the ever-elusive pursuit of spot fat reduction.
5. Virtual Reality
Virtual reality (VR) has made waves in the gaming community, but many are now turning to it for its fat-loss benefits.
For those who don’t like exercise or can’t work out normally for health reasons, a VR headset and a library of exciting, immersive games that get them moving makes for a great form of cardio.
There are now many fitness games on the market, each with their own quirks. Many people have seen great success with Beatsaber, for example.
6. Smart Resistance Tech
Smart resistance tech represents another avenue to explore for those trying to lose weight.
These are essentially wearable garments and bands that increase the effort it takes to do body weight exercises and basic movements, helping to engage the muscles more and burn a greater number of calories.
These have already been studied with promising results, with research showing a benefit for those who struggle with normal day-to-day movement.
7. Precursor Cell Therapy
One of the most advanced methods for furthering weight loss is precursor cell therapy. A great deal more research is required to make this a viable option, but this is where a person’s own white-adipose cells are reconfigured into behaving more like brown adipose tissue, which has a greater propensity for increasing energy expenditure.
It’s an exciting area of research, and once enough quality trials have been conducted, there may be a brand new, highly effective method for expediting weight loss with few downsides.
8. Advancements in Fasting
Fasting has been around for decades, but the concept is always changing and evolving. At the moment, the latest ideas center around chronobiology, which means to eat during specific windows that align with the person’s circadian rhythm (their sleep and wake cycle).
There’s still a lot more research to be done, but findings are starting to suggest that people who adhere to this fasting schedule experience greater fat loss, as well as improvements in their sleep quality.
It’s unlikely to make a large difference compared to regular fasting, but with the difficulties many face in losing weight, every little helps.
9. GLP-1 Drugs
And finally, there are the GLP-1 drugs. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists have been one of the few true breakthroughs in fat loss research; they work by mimicking GLP-1, which is a hormone associated with appetite and satiety (feeling full). With people feeling more satiated and for a longer time period, cravings don’t creep in as much, and they’re able to be better managed when they do.
Research has shown that these drugs have significant benefits for those who are overweight and obese, and when the person is also adhering to a good diet and solid exercise regimen, the results are impressive to say the least.
10. Wrapping Up
A caloric deficit sustained through diet and exercise is always going to be the most effective way to lose weight, but that doesn’t mean the process can’t be helped along through other methods.
Some of the options above are available now, while others haven’t even been approved for humans yet, but each marks a step forward in the goal to make weight loss easier and reduce the physical, mental, and economic toll obesity has on the planet.