Visceral Fat

Amelioration of Abdominal Obesity by Low-Molecular-Weight Polyphenol (Oligonol) from Lychee

Journal of Functional Foods. 2009;1(4):341-348

Background

It has been reported that adipocytes (fat cells) generate reactive oxygen species (ROS), and that the increased oxidative stress in adipocytes might be a cause of obesity-associated metabolic syndrome. Previous research provides evidence that polyphenols could improve obesity, lipid metabolism and glucose metabolism.

Study Design

Randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled: Participants took either Oligonol® or placebo twice a day for 10 weeks. Physical and hematological examinations as well as CT scan of abdomen were carried out at baseline (control) and after 10 weeks.

Results

Oligonol® supplementation resulted in the following significant changes compared with control:

  • Decrease in body weight, abdominal circum-ference and visceral fat.
  • Improved insulin resistance was improved by Oligonol® in conjunction with elevation of serum adiponectin, a hormone that is an independent risk factor for metabolic syndrome.

Conclusion

“These results suggest that Oligonol® ameliorates metabolic syndrome by reducing visceral fat obesity.”