A therapeutically effective dose of polymethoxylated flavones, for example in the form of citrus peel extract, is provided for reducing the typical rise in cortisol levels in a mammal undergoing weight loss. The polymethoxylated flavones may include one or more of tangeretin, nobiletin, and sinensetin. The polymethoxylated flavones may be administered in any of a variety of known modes of administrations such as oral and topical.