Evaluation of the Effects of the Administration of 5 Milligrams and 15 Milligrams of Hydroxytyrosol, an Extra Virgin Olive Oil Phenolic Compound, Versus Placebo, Combined With Diet, in Anthropometric Parameters in Overweight and Obese Women

Hydroxytyrosol is an extra virgin olive oil phenolic compound which has known protective effects in LDL oxidation and reduces oxidative stress. Olive oil has been associated with enhanced weight loss, and hydroxytyrosol could have a potential role in this.

Participants entered the study after signing the informed consent document. Detailed medical and family history was taken at baseline visit, and measurement of height, body weight, body fat and visceral fat were also made. Each participant visited a dietitian the same day and written consultation concerning the diet to be followed was given, based on Mediterranean diet and 500 kilocalories below their estimated Basal Metabolic Rate. The above measurements and dietitian consultation were repeated in each visit during the intervention (4,12 and 24 weeks).

Baseline laboratory testing was made including urea, creatinine, aminotransferases and fasting lipids and glucose, while serum and plasma were stored in -80 Celsius degrees for future analyses. Blood samples were also taken at 4, 12 and 24 weeks of the intervention.

All participants had an identical meal test at baseline, at 12 and 24 months and blood samples were collected at times 0, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150 and 180 minutes after meal consumption. Samples were also stored in -80 Celsius degrees for future analyses.

Each participant received in each visit prepackaged the quantity of capsules until the next scheduled visit, and the used empty blisters were returned in the following visit in order to assess compliance in capsules consumption. 24-hour diet recalls were used to assess compliance to diet.