Purpose. This study will test whether daily Urolithin A (500 mg) for 6 months helps adults with obesity lose weight while preserving functional muscle mass and improving markers of mitochondrial health, inflammation, and metabolism. All participants receive the same structured lifestyle program (nutrition and sleep guidance); half will receive Urolithin A and half a matching placebo. Background. Weight loss can improve health but may also reduce skeletal muscle, especially in people with obesity. Aging and obesity are both linked to mitochondrial dysfunction, impaired autophagy/mitophagy, oxidative stress, and low-grade inflammation. Urolithin A is a gut-derived, diet-related compound that promotes mitophagy and may support muscle function and metabolic health. Design. Single-center, randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel-group trial. About 100 adults aged 30-60 years with BMI \>30 kg/m² and elevated visceral adiposity will be enrolled and randomized in a 1:1 ratio (stratified by sex and age ≤45 vs ≥45 years). Blinding will include participants, study staff, and assessors. Intervention. Urolithin A 500 mg orally once daily vs matching placebo, for 24 weeks. A standardized lifestyle program for all participants: individualized energy restriction with higher protein intake, reduced carbohydrates, and time-restricted eating (11-hour eating window / 13-hour overnight fast); plus structured sleep-hygiene recommendations and light daily activity guidance. No other dietary supplements are allowed during the study. Main assessments. At baseline and regularly during the study, participants will undergo: Body composition by bioimpedance (InBody), including skeletal muscle and visceral fat indices. Muscle function (handgrip dynamometry; 30-second chair-stand). Cardiometabolic and inflammatory biomarkers from blood (standard biochemistry, lipids, glucose/HbA1c, CRP; exploratory cytokines/adipokines). Mitochondrial/aging biomarkers, including DNA-based epigenetic aging measures. Cardiovascular/ANS function (heart-rate variability and vascular indices; MaxPulse Medicore). Questionnaires on sleep quality, physical activity, and weight-management self-efficacy. Visits and duration. 6-month participation with baseline, 3-weekly check-ins, and a final visit for repeat testing and blood sampling. Outcomes. The study focuses on safety and on whether Urolithin A, compared with placebo, helps preserve functional muscle mass and improves mitochondrial, inflammatory, and metabolic biomarkers during weight loss. Who can join. Adults 30-60 years with obesity and higher visceral fat who are willing to follow the lifestyle program. Key medical exclusions (e.g., diabetes, active autoimmune disease, pregnancy) and supplement restrictions apply; full criteria are provided in the Eligibility section. Potential benefits and risks. Participants may benefit from weight loss support and close monitoring. Risks include blood draw discomfort and potential, usually mild, supplement-related side effects. Safety will be monitored throughout. Location and sponsor. The study is conducted at Charles University, Faculty of Medicine in Hradec Králové (Czech Republic) under the Department of Preventive Medicine.
Age range
30 Years – 60 Years
Sex
ALL
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Change in Appendicular Skeletal Muscle Index (ASMI) by Bioimpedance
Timeframe: Baseline to Week 24 (end of intervention)