Anti-obesity effect of Neoagaro-oligosaccharides with overweight and obese subjects: A 16- week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial

Abstract

Abstract Background This trial aimed to evaluate the anti-obesity effects and safety of Neoagaro-oligosaccharide (NAOs) in humans in a 16 week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Methods A total of 100 overweight or obese subjects with a body mass index (BMI) of 23 to 34.9 kg/m2 and a body fat percentage of > 25% for males or > 30% for females were enrolled. NAOs or placebo products were administered at 3 g each for 16 weeks. Efficacy and safety biomarkers were measured before and after intervention. Results After 16 weeks of intervention, the group administered with NAOs had statistically significant decreases of visceral fat area (VFA), visceral-subcutaneous fat area ratio (VSR), weight, and BMI compared to the placebo group. High-density lipoprotein- cholesterol (HDL-C) was increased in the group administered with NAOs, which showed a significant trend compared to the placebo group. Clinical changes were not observed for any safety biomarkers. Conclusions These results suggest that NAOs have a beneficial effect on obesity. Thus, NAOs could be used as an anti-obesity supplement without side effects. Trial registration: cris.nih.go.kr: (KCT0006640, 07/10/2021).