Leu-Asp-Gln-Trp-Rich Whey Protein Hydrolysate Shows the Reduction in Waist Circumference and Improvement of Mood in Healthy Overweight Adults: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Parallel-Group Study.

BACKGROUND

As health issues associated with obesity typically develop or worsen owing to increases in body weight and visceral fat, weight loss is important to prevent severe obesity.

OBJECTIVES

This clinical trial evaluated the effects of a whey protein hydrolysate (WPH) on obesity-related parameters, including body composition and waist circumference. The effects on mood state were also assessed exploratively.

METHODS

The participants included 181 healthy adults with a body mass index (BMI) of ≥ 25 kg/m2 and < 30 kg/m2 who were assigned to the active or placebo groups. The active food was a powder that contained 1.0 g of WPH (MWPH; WPH containing 0.1% functional tetrapeptide Leu-Asp-Gln-Trp) and the placebo was a powder containing no MWPH. The participants consumed the active or placebo foods for 12 wk. Primary outcome was BMI. Secondary and exploratory outcomes were other obesity-related parameters, fatigue, and mood state.

RESULTS

No statistically significant decrease in BMI, the primary outcome, was observed at the end of this period. Regarding secondary and exploratory outcomes, waist circumference significantly decreased in the active group compared with the placebo group at 8 and 12 wk. Furthermore, significant improvements in profile of mood states second edition scores including total mood disturbance and fatigue-inertia scores were observed in the active group compared with the placebo group between baseline and 12 wk. No significant differences between the groups were observed for the other outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that the continuous intake of MWPH may help reduce waist circumference and improve mood state. This trial was registered at the UMIN-CTR as UMIN000047856.