FIGURE 2.

Evaluation of the Body Weight score (BWS). BWS was calculated according to the specific questions proposed in the questionnaire by Cronin et al. (Cronin et al., 1998). Questions are four: 1) During the past 2 weeks, how much of the time you had trouble dealing with your weight? 2) During the past 2 weeks, how much of the time you felt frustration in trying to lose weight? 3) How much of the time during the last 2 weeks did you feel like you are not sexy because of being overweight? 4) How much of the time during the last 2 weeks did you have difficulties staying at your ideal weight? Basal scores, expressed as mean ± standard error, were 17.78 ± 1.74 (Berberine) and 16.94 ± 1.13 (Control). After 90 days of treatment, were 22.18 ± 1,18 (Berberine; p = 0.0260 versus control at 90 days, see single asterisk; and p = 0.0016 versus basal value, see double asterisk) and 17.47 ± 1.48 (Control; not significant versus basal value). Statistics was obtained by Tukey’s test.