RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Nutritional Oleic Acid Modulation of adIpose Cholesterol Metabolism in Patients Living With Obesity

This study investigates if a special type of sunflower oil, rich in oleic acid, can improve the health of people living with obesity. When someone is obese, their body's fat tissues can become unhealthy and cause problems like heart disease or diabetes. Previous research hinted that oleic acid might help protect these fat tissues by making them better at processing cholesterol. This study will involve women living with obesity who are planning to have weight-loss surgery. Before their surgery, they will use either the special oleic acid-rich oil or a regular cooking oil. Doctors will then examine small samples of their fat tissue during surgery to see if the special oil made a difference in how their bodies handle fat.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Nantes University Hospital

Enrolment target

Start

15 Jul 2025

Estimated completion

01 Jul 2028

Obesity Visceral Adipose Tissue White Adipose Tissue Inflammation Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue

What is this study about?

This research project, known as the NAMICO study, is looking into how certain types of fats in our diet can affect people living with obesity. When someone is obese, the fat tissue in their body (especially around organs) can become inflamed and not work as well as it should. This can lead to serious health problems like heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. We want to understand if a specific type of fat, called oleic acid, can help improve the health of these fat tissues.

Oleic acid is a healthy monounsaturated fat found in foods like olive oil and some sunflower oils. Earlier studies, mostly in laboratories and with animals, suggested that oleic acid might help protect fat tissues by changing how they deal with cholesterol. The idea is that it might help the body store cholesterol in a healthier way within fat cells.

To test this idea, we're inviting women who are living with obesity and planning to have weight-loss surgery at Nantes University Hospital to take part. Before their surgery, some will use a cooking oil that's rich in oleic acid, while others will use a conventional sunflower oil. During the surgery, a small sample of fat tissue will be collected. Scientists will then examine these samples very closely to see if there are any differences in how cholesterol is handled based on the type of oil used. This will help us learn more about how diet can impact the health of fat tissue in people with obesity.

Key takeaways

The study investigates how certain cooking oils affect fat tissue health in obesity.
It aims to understand if oleic acid helps the body manage cholesterol better.
Participants are women planning weight-loss surgery at Nantes University Hospital.
No extra procedures are required beyond your planned surgery.
Your medical care will not be affected by your participation.
The findings could help improve dietary advice for people with obesity.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for women aged 18 to 60 who are living with obesity and planning to have weight-loss surgery at Nantes University Hospital in France. To be part of the study, your doctor must agree that you meet the criteria for this surgery, which includes having a body mass index (BMI) of 35 or more with other health issues, or a BMI over 40. You also need to be of European heritage (both parents identified as European).

Doctors are specifically looking for participants who show at least two signs of insulin resistance, such as high blood sugar, high blood pressure, low 'good' cholesterol (HDL), or high triglycerides (another type of fat in the blood). You also need to be able to safely use contraception if you're sexually active, or be past menopause.

However, some things would prevent you from taking part. For example, if you've recently changed your diabetes or cholesterol medication, or if you're taking certain steroids or antiviral drugs, you wouldn't be able to join. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, have had an organ transplant, or are taking other supplements that affect fat metabolism are also not eligible.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you a woman aged between 18 and 60?
Are you planning weight-loss surgery at Nantes University Hospital?
Do you have a BMI of 35 or more with other health issues, or a BMI over 40?
Are both your parents of European heritage?
Do you have at least two signs of insulin resistance (e.g., high blood sugar, high blood pressure)?
Are you not currently pregnant or breastfeeding, and not having an organ transplant?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you will first have a discussion with the study team to make sure it's right for you. If you meet all the requirements and agree to join, you will be asked to switch your usual cooking oil to one that the study provides – either a special sunflower oil rich in oleic acid or a regular sunflower oil. This will be for a period leading up to your planned weight-loss surgery. All participants will continue with their usual medical care and prepare for surgery as planned. During your weight-loss surgery at Nantes University Hospital, the surgical team will collect small samples of your fat tissue. There will be no extra visits or procedures beyond what's already planned for your surgery. The researchers will then analyse these tissue samples to understand the effects of the cooking oil.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study might offer a small benefit by contributing valuable information to help others living with obesity in the future, potentially leading to better dietary advice. There are no direct personal health benefits guaranteed from taking part, as the study aims to understand scientific principles rather than treat your condition. The main risks are minimal and are related to the standard procedures of your planned weight-loss surgery, as no additional invasive steps are involved. You have the full right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care or your relationship with your healthcare team.

Locations (1)

CHU de Nantes
Verified postcode
Nantes, France· Recruiting

Common questions

What is oleic acid?

Oleic acid is a healthy type of fat, also known as a monounsaturated fatty acid, found in foods like olive oil and some sunflower oils. It's considered good for heart health.

Why are only women included in this study?

This pilot study focuses on women of European origin to reduce variations and get clearer results. Future research might include a wider group of people.

Will taking part change my surgery plans?

No, your weight-loss surgery will proceed as planned at Nantes University Hospital. The study simply involves using a specific cooking oil beforehand and collecting a tissue sample during your routine surgery.

Do I have to pay for the special oil?

No, the study will provide the cooking oil you need to use if you participate.

What if I change my mind after joining?

You are free to leave the study at any point, and your decision will not affect your medical care.

How to find out more

Marie De Montrichard, PH

marie.dabadie@chu-nantes.fr +332 40 08 30 22 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.