Effect of a Low-Calorie MCT-Rich Traditional Minangkabau Diet on Obese Individuals

Official title

The Effect of a Low-Calorie Diet Rich in Medium-Chain Triglycerides Based on Traditional Minangkabau Foods on Lipid Profile, Leptin Levels, and DNA Methylation of the Leptin Gene Promoter in Individuals With Obesity

Overview

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.

Detailed description

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.

Interventions

• Other Low-Calorie Diet Rich in Medium-Chain Triglycerides (MCTs) Based on Traditional Minangkabau Foods
  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.

Primary outcome measures

• Change from baseline in body mass index (BMI). [Time frame: After 12 weeks]
• Change from baseline in waist circumference. [Time frame: After 12 weeks]
• Change from baseline in body fat percentage [Time frame: After 12 weeks]
• Change from baseline in systolic and diastolic blood pressure [Time frame: After 12 weeks]
• Change from baseline in fasting blood glucose levels. [Time frame: After 12 weeks]
• Change from baseline in lipid profile. [Time frame: After 12 weeks]
• Change from baseline in serum leptin. [Time frame: After 12 weeks]
• Change from baseline in DNA methylation of the leptin gene promoter. [Time frame: After 12 weeks]

Secondary outcome measures (1)

• Change in metabolic status. [Time frame: After 12 weeks]

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion criteria

• Administrative staff of the Faculty of Medicine and the Faculty of Public Health, Andalas University, Padang, with obesity defined as a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25 kg/m².
• Willing to participate in the study by providing written informed consent.
• Participants with obesity classified as Metabolically Unhealthy Obese (MUHO)

Exclusion criteria

• Did not come and could not be found at the time of research data collection
• Unable to follow the dietary arrangements as set
• Taking anti-diabetic or anti-lipid drugs
• Use of contraceptives or hormonal drugs
• In the treatment of radiotherapy or chemotherapyi
• Participants with obesity classified as Metabolically Healthy Obese (MHO)

Criteria are shown verbatim from the registry (in English). Final eligibility is always assessed by the study center.

Healthy volunteers: Yes

Study design

Allocation

Randomized

Model

Parallel assignment

Masking

Open label

Primary purpose

Treatment

Study locations

Indonesia · 1 center

• Prof. Nur Indrawaty Lipoeto — Padang

Publications

• Lipoeto, N.I., Elliyanti, A. and Febri, D.S. (2025) 'The Effect of A Low-Calorie Balanced Nutrition Diet Based on Minang Cuisine in Obese Patients', 10(February), pp. 26-34.
• Lipoeto NI, Agus Z, Oenzil F, Wahlqvist M, Wattanapenpaiboon N. Dietary intake and the risk of coronary heart disease among the coconut-consuming Minangkabau in West Sumatra, Indonesia. Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2004;13(4):377-84. PMID 15563444

Identifiers

NCT: NCT07423884 · PMDSU2026

Primary sources (government registries)

• ClinicalTrials.gov (US NIH)

View this study on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗