The Effect of Mild Weight Loss on Circulating Metabolite Profiles

Metabolomics Identifies Increases in Acylcarnitine Profiles in Plasma of Overweight Subjects in Response to Mild Weight Loss

To determine whether low calorie diet (LCD)-induced weight reduction caused changes in plasma metabolites and metabolic traits from baseline.

Over a 12-week clinical intervention period, a randomized, controlled study was carried out; overweight subjects consumed a LCD (approximately 300kcal/d deficit, n=47) or a weight-maintenance diet (control, n=50) were included for analyzing plasma samples and metabolites using an ultra-performance liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry (UPLC-LTQ/Orbitrap MS).

Inclusion Criteria:

• Able to give informed consent
• 20-65 years old
• Males and females
• Overweight (25.0 kg/m²≤ Body mass index <30 kg/m²)
• Nondiabetic (Fasting glucose <126 mg/dL)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Unstable body weight (body weight change >1 kg within 3 months before screening)
• Consumption of medication that affects body weight or energy expenditure
• Pregnancy or breast-feeding
• Hypertension, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cerebrovascular disease, or thyroid disease
• Liver disease, kidney disease, or gastrointestinal disease
• Acute or chronic infections
• Any acute or chronic disease requiring treatment