A new supplement containing amarasate, an ingredient derived from hops, is gaining attention as a potential drug-free method to help manage weight by reducing food cravings and promoting satiety. Experts suggest that amarasate could mimic some of the effects of popular weight-loss drugs by stimulating the body's natural appetite-regulating hormones.
Amarasate is rich in bitter compounds that experts believe activate taste receptors in the gut. These receptors play a crucial role in signaling to the brain when enough food has been consumed. According to Dr. Madusha Peiris, a neurogastroenterologist at Queen Mary University of London, these bitter compounds are particularly effective at triggering the release of satiety hormones like GLP-1, which are often less stimulated by modern diets.
These compounds are largely missing from modern diets, which frequently consist of highly processed foods that require little chewing and do not effectively activate fullness signals. This can lead to increased "food noise," or repetitive thoughts about food, contributing to snacking and overeating.
The supplement, sold under the brand name Calocurb, is designed to deliver its bitter compounds further down the digestive tract, near the colon. There, they activate receptors that signal the release of satiety hormones such as GLP-1, peptide YY (PYY), and cholecystokinin (CCK). These are the same hormones released after eating a diverse, fiber-rich meal.
Research suggests amarasate may help stimulate the body's own appetite-regulating systems. A 2022 study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition indicated that amarasate reduced calorie consumption by nearly 20 percent in men while significantly increasing satiety hormone levels. Another study involving women reported up to a 40 percent reduction in food cravings. Furthermore, a trial in the Nutrition Journal found that overweight adults taking a bitter hops extract for eight weeks experienced a significant reduction in visceral fat compared to a placebo group. After 12 weeks, this group lost approximately seven times more visceral fat and showed a reduction in overall body fat percentage.
While these findings are promising, experts caution that the evidence is still limited. They emphasize that supplements like amarasate are not a replacement for prescription weight-loss drugs, especially for individuals with obesity-related conditions such as diabetes or sleep apnea. The approximately 39 million Americans currently using weight-loss drugs often turn to them for potent effects that these supplements may not replicate.
Experts also highlight the importance of a diet rich in bitter and fiber-rich foods to naturally stimulate the gut's appetite-control systems. These foods not only activate satiety receptors but also nourish gut health, leading to a greater release of satiety hormones. A diverse intake of fruits and vegetables is considered essential for supporting gut health and maximizing appetite regulation.
The interest in amarasate comes amid a broader exploration of natural compounds that target the same biological pathways as established weight-loss medications. Previously, psyllium husk, a fiber supplement, was noted for its potential to enhance the effects of drugs like Wegovy and Mounjaro by increasing feelings of fullness.