The study will be conducted as a double-blind, block randomized, placebo-controlled intervention trial to study the effects of chitosan supplementation among two women population groups (Block 1- patients with obesity undergoing lifestyle changes; Block 2-women not undergoing major lifestyle changes) on their gut microbiota composition, body weight and composition among several other health parameters (blood pressure, blood lipids, blood sugar, insulin, hs-CRP, leptin). Furthermore, additional information will be collected: Health status, mental health, physical activity level, evaluation of stool appearance and defecation frequency by means of questionnaires; physical activity tracking, changes in body composition (muscle mass, body and visceral fat); evaluation of physical performance as well as adverse effects and remarks (diary book). The overall trial time for each subject will be 15 weeks: 1 week for baseline evaluation, 12 weeks intervention period and 2 weeks follow up.Collection of data will be done at 4 timepoints: at baseline, after 2 weeks of treatment, after 12 weeks of treatment and 2 weeks after the treatment ends (follow up).
The purpose of this study is to compare the effects of chitosan diet supplementation to a placebo supplement on changes in gut microbiota, body weight and different health parameters among different population groups, being either obese (BMI 30-50) and undertaking major changes in lifestyle (patients) or being those not undergoing any major lifestyle changes (volunteers, BMI 18.5-35).