This study aims to investigate the effect of a low-calorie diet rich in medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) based on traditional Minangkabau foods on metabolic biomarkers in individuals with obesity. The traditional Minangkabau foods used in this study consist primarily of coconut milk-based dishes, which contain coconut oil as a natural source of MCTs. The metabolic biomarkers assessed include body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, body fat percentage, fasting blood glucose levels, lipid profile, leptin concentrations, and DNA methylation of the leptin gene promoter. Based on these metabolic biomarker measurements, participants will be classified into metabolic obesity phenotypes, namely metabolically healthy obesity (MHO) and metabolically unhealthy obesity (MUHO). The researchers hypothesize that the provision of a low-calorie, MCT-rich diet based on traditional Minangkabau foods will have a significant effect on metabolic biomarkers and metabolic status in individuals with obesity.
This study was conducted within the Faculty of Medicine and the Faculty of Public Health at Andalas University, Padang, and received ethical approval from the Research Ethics Committee of the Faculty of Medicine, Andalas University. The study population consisted of educational staff with a body mass index (BMI) greater than 25 kg/m². Study participants were educational staff who agreed to participate and provided written informed consent. A total of 40 participants were included in the study, comprising 20 participants in the intervention group and 20 participants in the control group. The study was conducted over a period of 12 weeks (90 days). One week prior to the intervention, dietary intake was assessed using the 24-hour food recall method. Anthropometric measurements were performed using calibrated instruments by trained personnel. Participants in both the intervention and control groups underwent a one-week pre-intervention period (baseline period, from day -6 to day 0), during which they were instructed not to consume any supplements. Anthropometric measurements, blood pressure, body fat percentage, fasting blood glucose levels, lipid profile, leptin concentrations, and DNA methylation of the leptin gene promoter were assessed on day 0 and day 90. Dietary intake data obtained from the 24-hour food recall interviews were analyzed using the NutriSurvey 2005 software. The dietary intervention was designed to provide an energy deficit of 500-600 kcal compared with participants' habitual daily intake. The diet was based on traditional Minangkabau foods. Participants in the intervention group were provided with daily menu plans for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The dietary intervention was prepared independently by participants in accordance with the dietary guidelines and menus provided. In contrast, the control group followed a standard nutritionally balanced diet according to individual requirements. Participants were instructed to record their daily food intake in a food diary, which was collected and evaluated twice weekly (on weekdays and weekends). In addition, the research team monitored and motivated all participants through WhatsApp groups. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
40
Participants in the intervention group received a nutritionally balanced low-calorie diet rich in medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) derived from traditional Minangkabau foods. The dietary intervention was designed to provide an energy deficit of 500-600 kcal compared with participants' habitual daily intake. Assessments were conducted before and after the intervention period.
Prof. Nur Indrawaty Lipoeto
Padang, West Sumatera, Indonesia
Change from baseline in body mass index (BMI).
BMI is calculated as body weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters (kg/m²).
Time frame: After 12 weeks
Change from baseline in waist circumference.
Waist circumference is measured around the abdomen at the level of the umbilicus.
Time frame: After 12 weeks
Change from baseline in body fat percentage
Body fat percentage is assessed using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA).
Time frame: After 12 weeks
Change from baseline in systolic and diastolic blood pressure
Blood pressure is measured using a digital tensimeter.
Time frame: After 12 weeks
Change from baseline in fasting blood glucose levels.
Fasting blood glucose levels are measured using a clinical chemistry analyzer.
Time frame: After 12 weeks
Change from baseline in lipid profile.
The lipid profile includes total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. Measurements are performed using a clinical chemistry analyzer (photometer).
Time frame: After 12 weeks
Change from baseline in serum leptin.
Serum leptin concentrations are measured using appropriate laboratory methods (ELISA).
Time frame: After 12 weeks
Change from baseline in DNA methylation of the leptin gene promoter.
DNA methylation status of the leptin gene promoter is assessed using MSP (Methylation-Specific PCR).
Time frame: After 12 weeks
Change in metabolic status.
Metabolic status is classified into Metabolically Healthy Obesity (MHO) and Metabolically Unhealthy Obesity (MUHO) based on the number of metabolic abnormalities present. * MHO is defined as the presence of 0-1 metabolic abnormality. * MUHO is defined as the presence of ≥2 metabolic abnormalities. These metabolic abnormalities included elevated fasting blood glucose levels, increased blood pressure, enlarged waist circumference, elevated triglyceride levels, and reduced high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels.
Time frame: After 12 weeks
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