A composition including an effective amount of a compound including manganese [III]tetrakis(4-benzoic acid)porphyrin (MnTBAP), derivatives or analogs thereof to induce a reduction in body weight of a mammal or to improve insulin sensitivity of an obese mammal. A method including introducing an effective amount of a compound including manganese [III]tetrakis(4-benzoic acid)porphyrin (MnTBAP), derivatives or analogs thereof to a mammal to induce a reduction in body weight or to induce an increase in metabolism or insulin sensitivity of the mammal.