Materials and methods for the treatment or prevention of obesity

• US 6,384,087 B1
• Filed: 09/01/2000
• Issued: 05/07/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 09/01/2000
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: University of Tennessee Research Foundation (University of Tennessee)
• Original Assignee: University of Tennessee Research Foundation (University of Tennessee)
• Inventors: Shi, Hang, Zemel, Paula C., Zemel, Michael B.
• Primary Examiner(s): NGUYEN, HELEN
• Application Number:
  US09/654,357
• Time in Patent Office: 613 Days
• Field of Search: 514/909, 514/904, 424/464, 424/682, 424/686, 424/687, 424/693, 424/696
• US Class Current: 424/755
• CPC Class Codes: A23L 33/16 Inorganic salts, minerals or trace elements
• CPC Class Codes: A23L 33/30 Dietetic or nutritional methods, e.g. for losing weight A23L33/10 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61K 31/00 Medicinal preparations containing organic active ingredients
• CPC Class Codes: A61P 3/02 Nutrients, e.g. vitamins, minerals
• CPC Class Codes: A61P 3/04 Anorexiants; Antiobesity agents

Abstract

The subject invention provides methods of inducing the loss of adipose tissue by providing a diet high in calcium. In one aspect of the invention, the calcium is provided in the form of dairy products. In yet another aspect of the invention, calcium is provided in the form of a dietary supplement, such as calcium carbonate, of vitamin supplements. Methods of suppressing [Ca²⁺]_i levels in individuals are also provided. The subject invention also provides methods of stimulating lipolysis, inhibiting lipogenesis, and increasing the expression of white adipose tissue uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2). The subject invention also provides methods of increasing the core temperature of an individual.

Claims

1. A method of treating, reducing, or attenuating obesity in an individual comprising the administration of therapeutically effective amounts of calcium to an individual and inducing a metabolic change in said individual.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein said metabolic change is decreasing intracellular calcium concentrations ([Ca²⁺]_i), stimulating lipolysis, inhibiting lipogenesis, increasing the expression of white adipose tissue uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2), reducing serum insulin levels, thermogenesis, or decreasing the levels of calcitrophic hormones.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein said individual is maintained on a restricted caloric diet.

4. The method of claim 4, wherein said calcium is contained in dairy products, a dietary supplement, foodstuffs supplemented with calcium, or other foods high in calcium.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein said calcium is contained in salmon, beans, tofu, spinach, turnip greens, kale, broccoli, waffles, pancakes, pizza, milk, yogurt, cheeses, cottage cheese, ice cream, frozen yogurt, nutrient supplements, calcium fortified vitamin supplements, or liquids supplemented with calcium.

6. A method of attenuating weight gain and adiposity in children, reducing the risk of adiposity in children, or controlling weight gain in children comprising the administration of therapeutically effective amounts of calcium.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein said individual is maintained on a restricted caloric diet.

8. The method of claim 6, wherein said calcium is contained in dairy products, a dietary supplement, foodstuffs supplemented with calcium, or other foods high in calcium.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein said calcium is contained in salmon, beans, tofu, spinach, turnip greens, kale, broccoli, waffles, pancakes, pizza, milk, yogurt, cheeses, cottage cheese, ice cream, frozen yogurt, vitamin supplements, or liquids supplemented with calcium.