In one embodiment, a method is provided for lowering C-reactive protein levels in a mammal. The method comprises administering a composition containing an effective amount of Irvingia gabonensis seed to a mammal to reduce C-reactive protein levels in the mammal. Other embodiments include, among other things, lowering leptin levels, increasing adiponectin levels, reducing body weight, decreasing LDL and total cholesterol levels, increasing fat loss, and reducing waist size in a mammal using administering a composition containing an effective amount of Irvingia gabonensis.