Body weight was measured using a digital balance and height was measured using a wall-mounted stadiometer. BMI was calculated as body weight (kg) divided by height (m) squared. The deuterium dilution method according to the Maastricht protocol [20] was used to measure total body water (TBW). The subjects were asked to collect a urine sample in the evening just before drinking a deuterium-enriched water solution. After ingestion of this solution, the subject went to bed and no additional consumption was allowed for this period of time. Ten hours after drinking the water solution, another urine sample was collected. The dilution of the deuterium isotope is a measure of the TBW of the subject. Fat mass (FM) was calculated as body weight minus TBW divided by the hydration factor 0.73. Additionally, FM was determined by Bodpod [21] measurements. Fat mass index (FMI) was calculated by FM (kg) divided by height (m) squared. BMI, FM (%) and FMI were used to define body composition. Waist and hip circumference were determined in standing position by a tape measure. Waist circumference was measured at the smallest circumference between rib cage and iliac crest, and hip circumference at the level of the spina iliaca anterior superior. Accordingly, waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) was calculated by dividing waist by hip circumference. Both waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratio were used to define different patterns of body fat distribution.
That’s right, much of the scientific research performed with red hot peppers is done in an encapsulated form, and is found to be more effective than when it’s placed in food. Yes, there are studies with capsaicin (the active ingredient in hot red pepper) added to food, but it comes with compliance limitations – people can’t eat it on a regular basis because it’s too hot. Also, it’s suggested that the effects of capsaicin accumulate over time to produce greater results. Research subjects who take extracts of this fiery fat burner in a capsule form show more benefits for energy expenditure and weight loss than those who take it in a meal (Yoshioka M et al, 2004).
But, this all comes within the context of a healthy eating pattern; you can’t binge and purge, or add hot red pepper capsules to a diet of coffee and donuts and expect it to make a difference. You also have to exercise. No dietary supplement will ever cause the weight to melt off you if you don’t put in some additional physical work. It doesn’t matter if it’s training for your local 5K run or if it’s kicking your own butt in bootcamp class, you still need to make an effort to lose unsightly body fat.