A therapeutically effective dose of polymethoxylated flavones, for example in the form of citrus peel extract, is provided for reducing the activity of 11(beta)-HSD1. Reducing the activity of 11(beta)-HSD1 in turn undesirable excess glucocorticoid, e.g. cortisol, levels. Particularly, the PMFs can be effectively used to inhibit a rise in glucocorticoids associated with the stress of weight loss. The polymethoxylated flavones may include one or more of tangeretin, nobiletin, and sinensetin. The PMFs may be administered in any of a variety of known modes of administrations such as oral and topical.