Kochujang, fermented soybean-based red pepper paste, decreases visceral fat and improves blood lipid profiles in overweight adults

ABSTRACT: Health benefits of Kochujang (KCJ) and its bioactive compounds have been reported in several in vitro and animal studies. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of KCJ supplementation on body composition and blood lipid profiles in overweight adults. METHODS: Sixty overweight men and women with BMI ≥23 kg/m(2) and waist-hip-ratio (WHR) ≥0.90 for men and ≥0.85 for women were randomly assigned to a KCJ supplement (n=30, 32 g/day) or placebo (n=30, 32 g/day) group for a 12-week, double-blind, placebo controlled study. We measured anthropometric parameters, serum lipid profiles, abdominal fat distribution by computerized tomography and calculated the atherosclerosis indices in 53 subjects (n=26 in KCJ group, n=27 in placebo group) who completed the study. RESULTS: After 12 weeks, the KCJ group showed a significant reduction in visceral fat (cm(2)) (p<0.05), although body weight (kg) and WHR did not change. Serum concentration of triglycerides and ApoB were decreased when compared to those of the placebo group. CONCLUSION: KCJ supplementation (32 g/day) for 12 weeks in overweight adults showed anti-atherosclerotic and anti-obesogenic effects. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical trials.gov Identifier: NCT01532375