Effect of Kimchi Intake on Body Fat in Overweight Subjects

This is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial to investigate the anti-obesity effect of kimchi fermented with the addition of specific lactic acid bacteria. Two different kimchi, one traditional kimchi and one fermented with a lactic acid bacteria having anti-obesity effect, hereafter starter kimchi, are flash freeze dried, powdered and encapsulated. Specifically, subjects with a BMI of between 23\~30kg/m2 take 1,200 mg of traditional kimchi or starter kimchi capsules three times per day before each meal, for a total of 3,600 mg per day. As a control, subjects with a BMI of 23 to 30 kg/m2 take lactose capsules in a similar form and in the same amount. The total study period is 16 weeks of intake of kimchi capsules or placebo capsules, excluding the 2 weeks of preparation period for subject selection. Before and after taking the kimchi capsule or the placebo capsule, the following evaluation criteria of the subject will be measured; DEXA (Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry), BMI, Weight, Waist to Hip ratio (WHR), total cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL-C, calculate LDL-C, FFA, HbA1c, glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR, hs-CRP, Adiponectin, Leptin. Also, Changes in gut microbiome composition will be determined by measuring bacterial population levels in stool samples collected before and after taking kimchi capsules or placebo capsules.