To investigate weight loss effect with mild calorie restriction on circulating levels of liver enzymes in nondiabetic and overweight subjects with high visceral fat area [visceral fat area (VFA) at L4 ≥ 100 cm²].

A 12-week randomized, placebo-controlled study was conducted on 80 nondiabetic and overweight subjects with high VFA. The participants divided into two groups: 12-week mild calorie restriction (a 300 kcal/day intake reduction, n=40) or no treatment (control, n=40). The randomization was according to computer-generated block randomization (placebo:test = 1:1). Before and after intervention period, venous blood samples were obtained from the subjects, and biochemical parameters including circulating liver enzymes were measured.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Able to give informed consent
• 20-60 years old
• Males and females
• Overweight (25.0 kg/m²≤ BMI <30 kg/m²)
• Absence of pregnancy or breast-feeding
• Stable body weight (body weight change <1kg for 3 months before screening)
• High visceral fat (VFA) at L4 (VFA at L4 ≥100 cm²)
• Without hypertension, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or thyroid disease
• No use medication affecting body weight, energy expenditure, or glucose control for the last 6 months

Exclusion Criteria:

• Prior history of Cushing syndrome or malignancy
• Prior history of liver disease including chronic viral hepatitis, autoimmune hepatitis, primary biliary cirrhosis, or drug-induced liver disease
• Excess alcohol intake (based on WHO standard)
• History of intentional reduction in weight in the preceding 6 months