The 80p supplement that could help you lose half a stone WITHOUT spending £££s on weight loss jabs
IF you’re looking for a way to lose weight without pricey fat jabs, a supplement costing just 80p a day could be the way forward.
They may seem like an easy option, but weight-loss jabs like Wegovy and Mounjaro can set you back a small fortune and may come with some unpleasant side effects.
Users often face nausea, diarrhoea and fatigue, and in rare but extreme cases, the drugs have been linked to serious conditions like pancreatitis.
Some 82 deaths have been linked to the jabs, used for both weight loss and diabetes, according to official figures from the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency.
So, a cheaper, safer alternative might be more up your alley – and a new study suggests a supplement costing just 80p per capsule could be the answer to blasting belly fat.
Fat-burning berries
The study, carried out at the University of Worcester, looked at a blackcurrant extract from New Zealand and its effects on exercise and recovery in a small group of volunteers.
Blackcurrants are rich in anthocyanins, which are compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
The study involved 22 people, half of whom took two capsules of blackcurrant extract (600mg) a day over a week and half who took a dummy (placebo) pill.
Researchers found that taking the extract for a week boosted a person’s fat burning potential during exercise, according to findings published in the journal International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism.
At the start of the study and one week later, the participants completed a treadmill workout.
The average person using the berry supplement burned 28 per cent more fat, suggesting you could burn an extra 3.6g of fat over an hour of exercise.
Although the numbers may seem relatively small, over a long period of time, every extra calorie burned makes a difference.
Dr Matthew Cook, a senior lecturer in Sport and Exercise Science and lead author of the study, tells Sun Health: “Improvements to fat burning like this normally develop after many months, if not years, of long-duration endurance exercise training.
“If you can increase fat burning during exercise, over a prolonged period of time, that could equate to greater fat loss.”
Explaining why this tart, tangy berry is such a weight loss wonder, Dr Cook says that New Zealand blackcurrants are particularly rich in anthocyanin, the pigment which gives this berry its dark purple colour.
“These compounds confer health benefits through their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and blood flow-promoting effects, which alter fat metabolism and cardiovascular function,” he says.
This, he adds, “improves insulin responses, cardiovascular health and lowers risk factors associated with type 2 diabetes and heart disease”.
The company CurraNZ provided the blackcurrant extract but did not pay for or take part in the study.
Yasina Somani, a Lecturer in Exercise Physiology at the University of Leeds, who was not involved in the study, told Sun Health the study was well conducted.
“It is a randomized double blind placebo-controlled study meaning the participants did not know which supplement they were taking,” she says. “And they were compared to a true control.
“I think the key thing here is that supplementation needs to be paired with exercise to see these benefits of increased fat oxidation.”
She also warned that “a very high antioxidant dose” could have the opposite effect.
“It seems like what makes this specific extract different compared to others is the content of polyphenols, which might mean you could use a smaller dose to achieve similar benefits.”
The berry supplement was found to accelerate fat burning in 90 per cent of the group compared to their baseline level.
Getting out of my chair, tying my shoelaces and getting into the car were so difficult previously. Now I’m running and lifting weights – they really are little miracle capsules
Jules Brown
Men burned 42 per cent more fat (0.27g of fat per minute compared with the 0.19g in the placebo group).
Women burned 18 per cent more (0.26g of fat per minute compared to the 0.22g in the placebo group).
But one female volunteer saw a huge 216 per cent increase in fat burning, while one male participant achieved a 204 per cent increase in fat burning.
Women who carried more body fat were shown to reap the fat burning benefits of blackcurrant extract more – but this effect was not seen in men. They generally showed much more varied results.
All participants in the study were young, fit and had a healthy BMI.
Dr Cook adds: “We’ve shown here that women who carry more fat have the highest magnitude of change to the blackcurrant supplement.
“The great news is that it works for everyone, and some people respond more highly.
“A high anthocyanin blackcurrant supplement, in this case, the concentrated extract CurraNZ, is an affordable, fast-acting intervention that is easy to use, doesn’t require a prescription, is very safe and a valuable tool for weight management.”
Four top tips to lose weight sustainably
IF you, like so many of us, don’t know where to start when it comes to diet and exercise, PT Will Duru is here to help.
Here, the London-based trainer and founder of new fitness app 12Reps, shares his four top tips for building healthy habits.
TIP #1: Mindful eating
WE’RE all guilty of picking the easy option, the path of least resistance and who can blame us, life us busy!
But, Will says there are things you can do to make those easy options healthier.
“Portion control is key”, he says. “On average, we need 2,500 to 3,000 calories a day to function well, so having a sense of your daily needs can help you overeat.
“Stress often leads to mindless snacking, so it’s wise to keep healthy options within reach.
“Try gluten and lactose-free protein bars; they’re a great way to add protein to your diet without too many extra calories.
“Fruit salads are also fantastic, providing natural sugars that fuel your brain without the crash of sugary sweets.
“Herbal teas are another excellent option, offering a hint of sweetness while helping you stay hydrated.”
TIP #2: Get stronger
IF you can find the time, and extra cash, joining a gym will make a huge difference, Will says.
“Adding strength training to your routine doesn’t have to be scary,” he says.
“You don’t have to head straight for the weights room, try out a few classes instead – they can be a really enjoyable and effective way to get stronger.”
Will recommends focusing on:
- Body Pump: “This is a fantastic class for building overall body strength and muscular endurance.
” With high reps and multiple sets, you’ll feel it in your legs the next day.
“As you progress, you’ll reach a point where you can handle more weight, boosting your strength and stamina.” - Pilates: “If you’re desk-bound or spend hours at a screen, Pilates is a must.
“It targets your core and stabilising muscles, improving posture and helping you stand tall.
“It’s especially beneficial for counteracting the effects of prolonged sitting.” - Body Combat: “After a long day, this class lets you release stress by kicking and punching while burning serious calories.
“It’s high-energy and fun, helping you unwind while staying active.” - HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training): “Combining cardio and strength, HIIT is perfect for getting your heart rate up and conditioning muscles.
“A 45-minute HIIT class will leave you feeling energised and ready for a restful night’s sleep.
“Pick one or two classes that excite you and add them to your weekly schedule.
“Give yourself a day or two to rest between classes and trust in the process.
“Over time, you’ll see improvements in strength, endurance, and overall fitness.”
And if time and money are tight, have a search on YouTube for these types of exercises, to do in the comfort of your own home.
TIP #3: Drink in moderation
WE all need a treat now and then, so if you enjoy a drink just try to set yourself a limit – say one or two glasses of wine or pints a week.
But don’t be too hard on yourself if you do end up having more, Will says.
“If you do go over your limit, just balance it out with a healthy challenge that week, like a 45-minute hill walk on the treadmill,” he adds.
“This low-impact exercise can burn around 500 calories or more,
and it’s a great way to stay active while enjoying a podcast or music without feeling out of breath.
“Alternatively, try 250 body weight squats. Your legs will feel the burn after the first 100, but reaching 250 will help counteract those extra calories.
“Body weight squats engage your entire lower body, activating the largest muscles, which can increase calorie burn even at rest.
“These mindful approaches keep you aware of your intake while balancing indulgences with activity—a healthy habit to maintain long-term balance.”
TIP #4: Consistency is KEY
THESE small but mighty changes to your weekly routine will reap big rewards, but the key is to stick at it, Will says.
“Consistency is key,” he stresses. “Give yourself a minimum of 30 days to start seeing changes.
“To make these habits stick, keep them realistic and enjoyable.
“Track your progress, celebrate small wins, and remember that each positive choice is an investment in your long-term health.”
It’s not the first time the supplement has shown favourable findings; a study published in 2022 found women burned 25 per cent more fat while on a 30-minute brisk walk, after a week of taking it.
Mark Willems, professor of exercise physiology at the University of Chichester, said: “You don’t have to go to the gym or undertake strenuous exercise for hours at a time – you can enjoy meaningful improvements during normal activities across the course of the day.
“This could be walking to the shop, gardening, or doing housework – any low-to-moderate intensity activity will fall into this category.”
Dr Sam Sheperd, another researcher from Liverpool John Moores University said: “Seven days is not a very long time to see such big changes.
“Anything above 20 per cent is typically what we expect to see with three-to-four weeks of regular endurance exercise training.”
‘I couldn’t tie my shoelaces before losing 15st’
SO does blackcurrant extract work in real life?
One woman who believes it turbocharged her weight loss is Jules Brown, 59, who once struggled to get into a car or tie her shoelaces due to her weight.
Jules dropped a staggering 15st 7lb by overhauling her lifestyle over five years – an average of 3st per year.
Once 26st 10Ibs, Jules is now a healthy 11st 3lb after embarking on a weight loss journey in 2020.
Married mum-of-one Jules says pain after exercise that lasted for days put her off trying to get fit.
“Before, I couldn’t climb stairs without being out of breath,” the pharmacy support worker, from Milton Keynes, says.
“Getting out of my chair, tying my shoelaces and getting into the car were so difficult previously.
“Now I’m running and lifting weights – they really are little miracle capsules.”
Jules reached her target weight and even achieved her dream of running a marathon – then took up weightlifting too, unthinkable just a few years previously.
Then, a work-place injury forced her to stop walking and working out, but she comfortably maintained her weight at 12 stone.
After a year on the sidelines, Jules is setting herself a new, massive physical challenge as she approaches 60.
She says: “By the end of this year my goal is to run a couple of miles – maybe more – in a 60lb weighted vest.
“I was given the all-clear early last year and began the long road back to normality.
“My weight training has finally returned to pre-injury levels when I was leg pressing 453lbs.
“I am throwing myself into the running and training completely and am so happy to be 159lb – just over 11 stone and in size 10 jeans.
“CurraNZ has been so helpful for many reasons. One of those is muscle soreness after exercise and I have no issues after my gruelling workouts.
“They’ve helped me achieve all my goals, from enabling me to stick to an exercise routine without debilitating muscle soreness, increase my fat loss and get back to health and fitness not once, but twice.
“This product is very impressive – and I’ve tried many ‘miracle’ supplements over the years, but these wonderful capsules have helped me so much.”
How to lose weight safely
Losing weight should be a long-term commitment to healthier living, rather than any drastic measures.
The NHS tips – which can be adopted slowly – include:
- Get active for 150 minutes a week – you can break this up into shorter sessions
- Aim to get your 5 A Day – 80g of fresh, canned or frozen fruit or vegetables count as 1 portion
- Aim to lose 1 to 2lbs, or 0.5 to 1kg, a week
- Read food labels – products with more green colour coding than amber and red are often a healthier option
- Swap sugary drinks for water – if you do not like the taste, add slices of lemon or lime for flavour
- Cut down on food that’s high in sugar and fat – start by swapping sugary cereal for wholegrain alternatives
- Share your weight loss plan with someone you trust – they can help motivate you when you have a bad day
Read about:
- The five fat loss foundations
- The calorie formula for weight loss
- The perfect portion sizes for meals to lose weight
- Sun Health’s 8-week weight loss kick start plan