Calocurb Supports Weight Loss While Preserving Lean Muscle Mass: Study

Calocurb, the branded form of a bitter hops extract called Amarasate, was associated with significant weight loss and a preservation of lean body mass in a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical study published in Obesity Pillars.

The present study is the fourth of its kind investigating the role of the ingredient in weight loss and body composition. It was completed by 128 adult men and women who were required to undertake a 24-week weight loss program consisting of monthly lifestyle advice group seminars, randomized to either receive a placebo or 500 mg of the bitter hop extract, divided in half, taken at least an hour before two major meals of the day. The authors measured body weight, bioelectrical impedance analysis of body composition, and subjective appetite and craving measures every four weeks.

Unlike prescription medications, Calocurb works by stimulating three satiety hormones: GLP-1, CCK, and PYY, by activating bitter taste receptors in the L-cells of the gastrointestinal tract, reducing hunger, cravings, and calorie intake.

Those who took Calocurb experienced significantly greater reductions in body weight, body fat, and visceral fat than the placebo group, all while maintaining lean body mass. This is notable, Calocurb reported, as GLP-1 medications are shown to decrease muscle mass, potentially leading to long-term health issues.

Key Findings

Calocurb supplementation resulted in an average weight loss of 8.3 pounds after six months, compared to 0.88 pounds in the placebo group. Similarly, there was an average body fat loss of 9.9 pounds compared to 1.5 pounds in the placebo group. In the treatment group, there was a visceral fat loss of 5 square inches, versus 1.4 square inches after six months. Meanwhile, both groups saw modest increase in muscle mass over the treatment period.

“The new clinical data proves not only Calocurb’s contribution to weight loss overall, but also muscle preservation, which is groundbreaking in the crowded space of GLP-1s and other weight reduction options,” said Sarah Kennedy, founder and CEO of Calocurb. “From our years of research, we knew Calocurb was life-changing for so many, but now we are very excited to present independent clinical data to show its effectiveness across the board to improve body composition, while being 100% natural.”

“This publication reinforces why we partnered with Calocurb: practitioners need credible tools that help patients address hunger, food noise, and cravings through mechanisms that work with the body,” said Nate Freeman, vice president of science and innovation at Ortho Molecular Products, the exclusive U.S. distributor of Calocurb Clinical in the professional channel. “Calocurb Clinical fits directly into our commitment to efficacy, practitioner guidance, and better patient outcomes.”

“We’re proud to partner with Ortho Molecular Products to help expand practitioner access to a solution grounded in human clinical research,” said Kennedy. “The publication of our fourth clinical trial gives clinicians another important data point as they support patients seeking sustainable approaches to appetite control and metabolic wellness.”