Almost 50 per cent of the Canadian population or roughly 17.5 million people
in this country are either overweight or
obese and statistics indicate that
obesity is clearly on the rise*. Many overweight Canadians are at increased
risk of disability, disease and premature death because of their condition.
And, obesity puts tremendous pressure on the country’s already teetering
healthcare system.
The total direct cost of obesity is estimated to be at least $1.8 billion -
a figure that corresponds to 2.4 per cent of the total healthcare
expenditures for diseases in Canada in 1997**. The three largest
contributors to these healthcare costs are hypertension, type 2 diabetes
mellitus and coronary heart disease—all conditions that are caused or
exacerbated by obesity.
“Clearly, a considerable proportion of our healthcare dollars in Canada is
devoted to the treatment and management of obesity-related illnesses and
most health care professionals are now acknowledging that fact,” says Roland
Gahler, Executive Chairman of Natural Factors Nutritional Products.
“So, our Company decided to dedicate time and resources to finding a natural
and healthy solution to the obesity problem which will hopefully have major
positive effects on the overall costs of healthcare in this country,” says
Mr. Gahler.
Following 15 years of university-based research, the Company developed its
new weight management program, ‘SlimStyles’ with its revolutionary new
ingredient, PolyGlycopleX (PGXä). Developed by researchers at the University
of Toronto and Natural Factors, the PGXä proprietary blend of several 100
per cent natural, water-soluble polysaccharides (fibres) absorb over 600
times its weight in water when added to liquid. The product was subjected to
rigorous clinical and laboratory testing.
* Source: Statistics Canada
** The cost of obesity in Canada’’ by C.L. Birmingham, J. L. Muller, A.
Palepu, J.J. Spinelli and A.H. Anis; published in the Canadian Medical
Association Journal, (1999)
“PGX is a breakthrough discovery of uniquely processed, non-absorbable and
water soluble polysaccharides. When you take SlimStyles -- with its 18 amino
acids and 32 other nutrients -- the PGX expands as it absorbs water. It
makes you feel full and keeps your appetite under control for hours. After
seeing the effects of PGX in people who have been struggling a lifetime with
weight problems, I now consider this to be a highly significant discovery
that needs to be widely recognized,” says Dr. Michael Lyon, Medical &
Research Director of the Canadian Center for Functional Medicine in
Coquitlam, B.C.
Dr. Lyon says that a recent clinical program evaluation at the Center using
the ‘SlimStyles’ Meal Replacement resulted in an overwhelming number of
study participants losing one to two pounds of body fat per week.
“The control over appetite is very impressive. For people who have never
been able to lose weight, using PGX is a bit like having gastric bypass
surgery—yet with the safety and benefits of a dietary fibre. Using this
product provides many real and positive health benefits which include
decreased insulin resistance, lowered cholesterol and improved overall
health. In fact, one study was presented this month at the annual meeting of
the American Diabetes Association in Florida. The results are very
impressive,” says Dr. Lyon.
The ‘SlimStyles’ weight management program from Natural Factors consists of
two different products: ‘SlimStyles’ Meal Replacement drink mix in six
natural flavors and the ‘SlimStyles’ Appetite Control Fibre Blend—a near
zero-calorie naturally sweetened appetite-control product. Both of these
products contain the proprietary PGXä ingredient from Natural Factors.
Natural Factors Nutritional Products Ltd. is a North American leader in the
health products industry. The 50-year old, fully integrated Company offers a
full range of vitamins, minerals, specialty supplements and functional foods
to consumers around the world. The Company is dedicated to researching and
manufacturing evidence-based nutraceuticals and in ensuring the highest
product quality. With over one half million square feet of production,
research and laboratory facilities, the Company’s national head office in
Coquitlam includes state of the art manufacturing facilities. It also has
offices in Burnaby, Kelowna, Toronto and Everett, Washington.
