Background – The incidence of obesity is increasing and products that suppress appetite and subsequently food intake may be important in controlling body weight. Murray Goulburn Nutritionals has produced a dairy based supplement that has been shown to stimulate cholecystokinin (CCK), a potent satiating hormone, release in vitro. This product may potentially influence appetite leading to a reduced food intake.
Objective – To determine if a dairy based meal replacement product can stimulate the release of CCK to increase
satiety and decrease food intake in obese and lean volunteers.
Design – Double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled, cross-over study with 15 lean (age 27.3 ± 5.7 yr; BMI 22.0 -2 -2
± 1.3 kgm ) and 15 obese (age 38.2 ± 9.5 yr; BMI 35.3 ± 4.6 kgm ) men. On separate days, volunteers consumed 250 mL novel dairy fraction (test) and placebo beverages following an overnight fast. Plasma CCK concentrations and visual analogue scale assessments of appetite were measured. Subsequent food intake was assessed at a buffet meal.
Outcomes – Food intake (kilojoules) was lower in both lean and obese volunteers after the placebo supplement (Lean 7.98% less, Obese 7.39% less) with no difference between groups (P = 0.99). Obese volunteers rated themselves as less hungry and more full after the test supplement, whereas lean volunteers rated themselves less hungry and more full after the placebo; however these were not significant. CCK concentrations increased following both the test and placebo supplement (P < 0.001) but there was no difference in the CCK response between lean and obese volunteers (P = 0.13).
Conclusions – Although the test product proved inactive, this approach could be used to evaluate other nutrients which have the potential to suppress appetite. Further investigation of possible alterations in appetite and food intake response to novel dairy based supplements in lean and obese volunteers is warranted