Betaine Supplementation and Lipid Metabolism in Overweight and Obese Pre-menopausal Women

Body composition,Body mass,Waist and hips circumference,Lipid profile,Gene expression

Obesity represents a serious global health issue with significant consequences, including an
 increased risk of chronic diseases. Statistics indicate a growing trend of obesity,
 highlighting the need to seek methods that improve fat tissue metabolism and reduce
 obesity-related complications. Previous research on animals has shown that betaine, a
 substance engaged in one-carbon metabolism, may enhance fat oxidation and lower adipose
 tissue. Therefore, the aim of the research will be to assess the impact of 8-week betaine
 supplementation on body composition and lipid metabolism markers, as well as expression of
 genes related to lipid metabolism, in a group of adult women with abdominal obesity.
 
 This study is designed in a placebo-controlled, double-blinded, randomized fashion. The
 participants will be overweight or obese pre-menopausal females. Upon enrollment,
 participants will be randomly assigned to one of two parallel groups: betaine (3g/d) or
 placebo. The supplementation period will last for 8 weeks. There will be three study
 meetings: T1 before supplementation, T2 after 4 weeks of supplementation, and T3 after 8
 weeks of supplementation. Blood will be drawn and body composition measured, and adipose
 tissue biopsy taken at meetings T1 and T3. The T2 meeting will involve only body composition
 measurement. Study outcomes will include body mass and composition (including body fat
 percent), lipid profile, and the expression of genes related to lipid metabolism in adipose
 tissue and peripheral blood mononuclear cells.