Obesity is one of the major health concerns in the Twenty-First Century and is one of the leading causes of preventable death. It is a strong risk factor for Type 2 Diabetes. Disclosed herein are compositions and methods using Nitraria retusa extracts for enhancing energy metabolism, inhibiting fat accumulation, inhibiting preadipocyte differentiation, reducing diabetic hypercholesterolemia, and for treating or ameliorating obesity.
