Molasses extract may be helpful in weight control, according to the results of an experimental study presented at the Society for the Study of Ingestive Behavior’s annual meeting. An article about the research, published by ScienceDaily, explains that the findings suggest that dietary supplementation with molasses extract may provide a novel approach for weight management. The study divided mice into three groups and gave them one of three diets: either a high-fat diet supplemented with 4% molasses extract, a high-fat diet supplemented with 2% molasses extract, or a high-fat diet without molasses extract. Aside from the molasses, the mice’s diets were identical.

One of the chief findings of the study was that compared with the other mice groups, the mice that consumed the diet containing 4% molasses extract had lower body weight, reduced body fat, and decreased blood levels of leptin–a hormone formed by fat cells. Molasses is high in polyphenols, which is a group of chemical compounds that are recognized for their antioxidant properties. Polyphenols have been found to assist in managing weight and reducing fat through reducing the absorption of calories.

Adding molasses extract to a high fat diet appears to reduce body weight and body fat levels primarily through reduced caloric absorption. With the global prevalence of obesity and its comorbidities on the rise, supplementing diet with molasses extract may be a method of slowing down the swelling rates of obesity.

We caution, however, that the findings do not mean that we all should begin eating molasses with every meal. The research needs to be tested in clinical studies in overweight people. It also need to be tested with healthier, lower-fat diets. Clinical trials are planned for next year and will provide the opportunity to determine the efficacy of molasses extract for weight management in people.

Arizona Lap-Band is committed to helping our patients experience long-term weight loss success and providing practical nutrition information. You can view some of our healthier food ideas and recipes on Dr. Simpson’s blog here.