Body Fat Distribution and Fat Metabolism

Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO)

Status

Completed

Conditions

Obesity

Metabolic Disease

Treatments

Behavioral: Long-chain (C18:2) and medium chain fatty acid (C8 and C10).

Study type

Interventional

Funder types

Other

Identifiers

NCT00475774

P7261

Details and patient eligibility

About

The primary purpose of the study is to examine the effect of body fat distribution on the physiological response to a dietary fat intervention. Physiological response will be evaluated as fatty acid kinetics (plasma and subcutaneous fat appearance).

Secondary objectives are targeted protein production (apoB and adiponectin). Examination of the effect of chain length of the dietary fatty acids on fat tissue characteristics and the effect of chain length on satiety, will be studied as well.

Full description

Rationale: The increased prevalence of obesity and the related risk for metabolic diseases have resulted in increased interest in prevention of obesity through life-style interventions. The site of fat storage (visceral or subcutaneous) is considered to be relevant in terms of risk for metabolic disorders. The type of fat consumed may determine storage in either fat storage site and hence be related to metabolic disorders. Long-chain fatty acids have been suggested to be preferentially targeted to subcutaneous fat, whereas medium chain fatty acids may preferably be targeted to the visceral fat depot.

Objective: The primary objective is to examine the effect of body fat distribution on the physiological response to a dietary fat intervention. Physiological response will be evaluated as fatty acid kinetics (plasma and subcutaneous fat appearance), targeted protein production (apoB and adiponectin) and satiety.

Study design: The study is designed as a randomized, double-blind, cross-over trial. Two treatments will be supplied for three weeks, with a wash-out period of at least 3 weeks in-between.

Study population: Twelve apparently healthy overweight/obese men (30-60 years of age) with a BMI of 27-35 kg.m-2 (6 upper body obese (high WHR) en 6 lower body obese (low WHR)).

Intervention: Three weeks intervention with a fat replacement containing long chain fatty acids and three weeks intervention with a fat replacement containing medium chain fatty acids. The margarines will replace the normally consumed margarine. Consumption will take place with breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Main study parameters/endpoints: On the last day of each treatment period subjects will come to TNO for evaluation of the effect of the dietary intervention on fat metabolism and fat tissue. This will be examined with stable isotope techniques and fat biopsies of subcutaneous fat. At baseline subjects will have a total body scan in the MRI to characterize body fat.

Enrollment

12 estimated patients

Sex

Male

Ages

30 to 60 years old

Volunteers

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

Healthy
Males aged between 30 - 60 years at Day 01 of the study
Body Mass Index (BMI) between 27-35 kg/m2
Range in waist-hip ratio as high as possible (preferably <0.90 or >0.95)
Regular Dutch eating habits and used to consume margarine;
Non restrained eater
Voluntary participation
Having given written informed consent
Willing to comply with the study procedures
Agree to be informed about chance findings of pathology found with the MRI
Willing to accept use of all nameless data, including publication, and the confidential use and storage of all data for at least 15 years
Willing to accept the disclosure of the financial benefit of participation in the study to the authorities concerned.

Exclusion criteria

Participation in any clinical trial including blood sampling and/or administration of substances up to 90 days before Day 01 of this study
Having a history of medical or surgical events that may significantly affect the study outcome
Use of medication that may influence appetite, and/or sensory functioning
Smoking
Alcohol consumption (> 28 units/week)
Contra-indication to MRI scanning
Reported unexplained weight loss or gain of > 2 kg in the month prior to the pre-study screening
Reported slimming or medically prescribed diet
Reported vegan, vegetarian or macrobiotic
Recent blood donation (<1 month prior to the start of the study)
Not willing to give up blood donation during the study
Not having a general practitioner
Not willing to accept information-transfer concerning participation in the study, or information regarding his health to and from his general practitioner.