The main objective of this intervention study is to evaluate the effect of satiating protein and/or fiber bar consumption on weight loss and other osteoarticular and cardiometabolic parameters related to excess weight in subjects with overweight or obesity.
To achieve this objective, volunteers will be instructed to consume three bars per day as part of a hypocaloric diet, in accordance with healthy nutritional guidelines, over a 12-week period.
The main questions to answer are:
* Does the regular consumption of these protein and/or fiber bars help to lose weight? * Does the regular consumption of these protein and/or fiber bars help to improve the osteoarticular health? * Does the regular consumption of these protein and/or fiber bars help to improve the cardiometabolic health?
The specific objectives are focused on evaluating the effects of the intervention on the following parameters:
* Weight and body composition. * Knee joint range of motion. * Blood biomarkers related to collagen degradation and synthesis, associated with osteoarticular health. * Glycemic and lipid profiles, blood pressure, and biomarkers of kidney, liver, cardiovascular, and inflammatory health. * Changes in joint discomfort (improvement or worsening). * Adherence to the assigned intervention, including both dietary compliance and intake of the study-provided supplement. * Satiety-related variables assessed using a visual analog scale (VAS). * Urinary hydroxyproline and stool samples for metagenomic analysis. * Gastrointestinal health, mental health, quality of life, and physical activity level assessed through validated questionnaires.
Target sample size is 144 subjects and participants will be allocated in four different groups:
* Group 1 (n=36): hypocaloric diet + protein and fiber supplement. * Group 2 (n=36): hypocaloric diet + protein and fiber supplement. * Group 3 (n=36): hypocaloric diet + fiber supplement. * Group 4 "Placebo group" (n=36): hypocaloric diet + placebo supplement. Participants will attend the nutritional intervention unit at weeks 1, 8, and 12. A follow-up phone call will be conducted at week 4.
Volunteers of both sexes between the ages of 18 and 65 years old.
Volunteers with grade II overweight or obesity (BMI: 27.0-39.9 kg/m2).
Physical examination and vital signs are normal or clinically irrelevant to the study.
Volunteers receiving pharmacological treatment may be included if the dosage has remained stable for at least three months prior to study initiation.
Presence of significant functional or structural abnormalities of the digestive system, including but not limited to congenital malformations, angiodysplasia, active peptic ulcer disease, chronic inflammatory or malabsorption disorders, hiatal hernia, or chronic gastroesophageal reflux.
High alcohol consumption, defined as >14 units per week for women and >20 units per week for men.
Pregnancy or lactation at the time of screening.
History of surgical procedures resulting in permanent alterations of the digestive system (e.g., gastroduodenostomy) or joint replacement surgery (hip or knee).