In 2005, a study was done in Cameroon testing Irvingia gabonensis and its ability to influence weight loss.  The study examined 40 obese subjects aged 19 to 52 and divided them into two groups.  The first group received a placebo and the second group received 1.05 grams of Irvingia seed extract.  The participants consumed either the placebo or the Irvingia extract before every meal 3 times a day for 30 days.  

The studied interviewed subjects on their activity level and food intake prior to the study.  When the study began, the subjects were instructed to follow a low-fat diet of 1,800 calories per day and keep a record of what they ate seven days a week.  At the end of each week, the subjects were examined and tested for changes in body weight, body fat, and hip/waist circumferences.

At the end of the 30 day trial, the Irvingia group had lost an average of 11.5 pounds while the placebo group lost an average of 2.9 pounds.  The Irvingia group experienced a decrease in blood pressure, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol).  There was also a rise in HDL (good) cholesterol.