Actual situation of the weight control in the Japanese functional indication food and food for specified health use

Abstract

A system using food for improvement in mild obesity and glycometabolism in individuals with borderline metabolic disorder exists in Japan. Because functionality of a product can be advertised assuming confirmation of its effect in humans, the market for such products has tended to increase. Several functional ingredients are known to originate from natural products, and their mechanisms of action against obesity are thought to involve lipid lowering and lipid utilization efficiency. Improvement in glycometabolism is thought to involve inhibition of glucose absorption in the small intestine or increased phosphorylation of the insulin receptor. Several functional ingredients are common food components, and several of them are known to be safe. However, their interactions with medications and effects of excessive consumption are unknown, and obtaining the relevant safety information is essential.