Rationale: The increased prevalence of obesity and the related risk for metabolic diseases have resulted in increased interest in prevention of obesity through life-style interventions. The site of fat storage (visceral or subcutaneous) is considered to be relevant in terms of risk for metabolic disorders. The type of fat consumed may determine storage in either fat storage site and hence be related to metabolic disorders. Long-chain fatty acids have been suggested to be preferentially targeted to subcutaneous fat, whereas medium chain fatty acids may preferably be targeted to the visceral fat depot.~Objective: The primary objective is to examine the effect of body fat distribution on the physiological response to a dietary fat intervention. Physiological response will be evaluated as fatty acid kinetics (plasma and subcutaneous fat appearance), targeted protein production (apoB and adiponectin) and satiety.~Study design: The study is designed as a randomized, double-blind, cross-over trial. Two treatments will be supplied for three weeks, with a wash-out period of at least 3 weeks in-between.~Study population: Twelve apparently healthy overweight/obese men (30-60 years of age) with a BMI of 27-35 kg.m-2 (6 upper body obese (high WHR) en 6 lower body obese (low WHR)).~Intervention: Three weeks intervention with a fat replacement containing long chain fatty acids and three weeks intervention with a fat replacement containing medium chain fatty acids. The margarines will replace the normally consumed margarine. Consumption will take place with breakfast, lunch and dinner.~Main study parameters/endpoints: On the last day of each treatment period subjects will come to TNO for evaluation of the effect of the dietary intervention on fat metabolism and fat tissue. This will be examined with stable isotope techniques and fat biopsies of subcutaneous fat. At baseline subjects will have a total body scan in the MRI to characterize body fat.
The primary purpose of the study is to examine the effect of body fat distribution on the physiological response to a dietary fat intervention. Physiological response will be evaluated as fatty acid kinetics (plasma and subcutaneous fat appearance).~Secondary objectives are targeted protein production (apoB and adiponectin). Examination of the effect of chain length of the dietary fatty acids on fat tissue characteristics and the effect of chain length on satiety, will be studied as well.