Effect of very low-calorie ketogenic diet in combination with omega-3 on inflammation, satiety hormones, body composition, and metabolic markers. A pilot study in class I obese subjects

Mariangela Rondanelli,Philip Bazire,Zahra Ilyas,Simone Perna,Clara Gasparri,Ignacio Sajuox,Mara Nichetti,Gabriella Peroni,Roberto Maugeri

doi:10.1007/s12020-021-02860-5

Abstract

PurposeThis study aims to evaluate the effects of a VLCKD combined with omega-3 supplementation (VLCKD diet only lasted for some weeks, and it was followed by a non-ketogenic LCD for the rest of the study period) on body composition, visceral fat, satiety hormones, inflammatory and metabolic markers.MethodsIt has been performed a pilot open label study lasted 90 days, in a cohort of 12 women with class I obesity aged 18 to 65 years. Data on body composition (evaluated by Dual X-Ray Absorptiometry—DXA), visceral fat, satiety hormones, inflammatory and metabolic markers were recorded.ResultsThis study showed a body weight reduction mean difference over time of −13.7 kg and the waist circumference mean difference decrease of −13.3 cm. Also, the fat mass (FM) decreased—9.1 kg and visceral adipose tissue (VAT)—0.41 kg. No effects on fat-free mass (FFM) have been reported. Improvements were observed in the satiety hormones, with increased ghrelin and decreased leptin, and also in the metabolic profiles.ConclusionsA VLCKD combined with omega-3 supplementation appears to be an effective strategy for promoting an high loss of FM with preservation of FFM in patients with class I obesity.

Highlights

Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia 27100, Italy 3 Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Bahrain, Sakhir 32038, Bahrain 4 Endocrinology and Nutrition Unit, Azienda di Servizi alla Persona “Istituto Santa Margherita”, University of Pavia, Pavia 27100, Italy 5 Medical Department, PronoKal Group, London, UK 6 Scientific Officer, PronoKal Group, Barcellona 08009, Spain 7 Medical Director, PronoKal Group, Savigliano 12038, ItalyTo date, the best noninvasive strategies for weight loss have been based on dietary interventions and behavioral change [1, 2]
This study aims to evaluate the effects of a Very Low-Calorie Ketogenic Diet (VLCKD) combined with omega-3 supplementation (VLCKD diet only lasted for some weeks, and it was followed by a non-ketogenic low-calorie diet (LCD) for the rest of the study period) on body composition, visceral fat, satiety hormones, inflammatory and metabolic markers
No statistically significant improvement was recorded in biochemical marker values, except for ghrelin, which presented an increase of 0.16 pg/mL (P = 0.001) Figure 1 shows the changes in body composition parameters from baseline to the end of intervention with the VLCKD

Summary

Introduction

Diet- and exercise-induced weight loss have been examined in numerous studies [3]. The Very Low-Calorie Ketogenic Diet (VLCKD) is an effective and used tool for weight loss in people with obesity. VLCKDs are characterized by a very low carbohydrate content (

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Conclusion