A team of researchers from CINTESIS – Center for Health Technology and Services Research and the NOVA Medical School is recruiting volunteers for a clinical trial to evaluate the effectiveness of nutritional interventions in weight loss in obese adults.
With a duration of 18 months, this study will also aim to develop new eating habits that ensure the maintenance of weight loss. “These goals are ensured through regular follow-up, where we intend to implement the program, monitor the results, clarify doubts in time and advise on food choices,” explains the team led by Conceição Calhau, CINTESIS researcher, professor at NOVA Medical School and specialist in Nutrition and Metabolism.
In all, there are 100 places available. Participants will be entitled to regular nutritional monitoring by a nutritionist and will benefit from a series of assessments related to their health, free of charge, over a year and a half. Through anthropometric and body composition measurements, the volunteers will be able to know, for example, the evolution of their body weight, fat mass, lean mass, visceral fat, waist, and hip circumference.
Participants will also have access to blood pressure assessment and blood tests to assess, for example, blood glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, and inflammatory markers. In addition, they will have a characterization of their gut microbiota (microorganisms that inhabit the intestine).
As for the predictable benefits, it is known that “long-term weight reduction will translate into improved quality of life, decreased mortality, and improvement in associated chronic diseases.”
To be included in this study, you must be between 18 and 65 years of age and obese (body mass index greater than or equal to 30 kg/m2 (diagnostic criteria for obesity), as well as reside in the Greater Lisbon area. Inclusion in the study requires periodic visits to the NOVA Medical School (Campo Mártires da Pátria, 130 1169-056 Lisboa), where the study is being carried out. Those interested should send an email to pmp@nms.unl.pt.
The research team includes, besides Conceição Calhau (principal investigator), Marta Silvestre, André Rosário, and Inês Barreiros Mota, all from CINTESIS/NOVA Medical School.