Combined Exercise and HabaNovaTM (NET-2201, Capsicum chinense L. cv.) Supplementation Potentiates Improvements in Body Composition and Anthropometric Measures in Overweight/Obese Women: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Pilot Study
Article information
Abstract
PURPOSE
This pilot study examined the potential synergistic effects of combining HabaNovaTM (NET-2201, Capsicum chinense L. cv.) supplementation with a structured exercise program on body composition parameters and anthropometric measures in overweight/obese young women.
METHODS
Twenty-seven overweight/obese women (BMI ≥23 kg/m²) completed this 8-week double-blind, randomized controlled trial. Participants were randomly assigned to either exercise+HabaNovaTM (Ex.+HabaNovaTM, standardized to 275.5 μg capsinoids/g, n=15) or exercise+placebo (Ex.+Placebo, n=12). The exercise program consisted of supervised treadmill walking (30 min, 3 times/ week, 57-63% HRmax) and home-based resistance training (twice weekly). Participants consumed either HabaNovaTM (250 mg/day) or placebo daily.
RESULTS
Following the 8-week intervention, significant time effects were observed for weight, BMI, body fat percentage, and body fat mass (all p<.001). Significant time×group interactions and group effects were found for weight, BMI, and body fat mass (all p<.05). The Ex.+HabaNovaTM group demonstrated significant reductions in body weight (-2.19 kg at week 4, −3.15 kg at week 8), BMI (-0.85 kg/m² at week 4, −1.23 kg/m² at week 8), body fat percentage (-1.75% at week 4, −2.66% at week 8), and body fat mass (-1.97 kg at week 4, −2.88 kg at week 8) (all p<.01 to p<.001). Waist and hip circumference significantly decreased at week 8 (-4.30 cm and −3.99 cm, respectively; p<.001). The Ex.+Placebo group showed more modest improvements, with significant body composition changes only at week 8. The Ex.+HabaNovaTM group exhibited significantly greater hip circumference reduction compared to the Ex.+Placebo group (p<.05).
CONCLUSIONS
HabaNovaTM supplementation combined with exercise yields superior improvements in body composition compared to exercise alone, with earlier onset and greater magnitude of reductions while preserving lean tissue. These findings support the use of HabaNovaTM as an effective adjunctive strategy for weight management programs targeting overweight adults.
INTRODUCTION
Obesity as excess body fat continues to challenge public health sys-tems, particularly in relation to metabolic and cardiovascular diseases [1,2]. Body composition, which encompasses the relative proportions of fat mass and lean mass, is a critical factor influencing metabolic health and well-being. Researchers have focused on interventions aimed at imroving body composition through reductions in fat mass and preservation or enhancement of lean mass as a major priority in public health and clinical research. Recent epidemiological data suggest that targeted interventions addressing both components may offer more sustainable health benefits than traditional weight-loss approaches alone.
Combined exercise regimens, integrating both aerobic and resistance training, have shown particular effectiveness in improving body composition [3-5]. Interestingly, low-intensity exercise has emerged as an effective approach for maximizing fat oxidation in young subjects [6], offering a feasible and sustainable strategy particularly relevant for populations with physiological limitations such as obesity, cardiovascular conditions, or musculoskeletal disorders restricting participation in vigorous activities.
Integrating emerging compound approaches with exercise programs represents a new area of research in exercise science. Beyond exercise, research increasingly focuses on dietary compounds that might enhance body composition improvements. Capsinoids are structurally similar to capsaicinoids (the pungent compounds in chili peppers) but possess a distinctive ester bond rather than an amide bond, resulting in significantly reduced pungency while maintaining similar bioactive properties [7]. Unlike capsaicinoids, which often cause gastric irritation, oral burning sensation, and digestive discomfort, capsinoids can be consumed at effective doses without these adverse effects. This unique characteristic makes capsinoids particularly promising for nutritional interventions, as they potentially offer the metabolic benefits of capsaicinoids— including increased energy expenditure and enhanced fat oxidation— with superior tolerability and compliance in clinical applications. These compounds appear to be mediated by transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 (TRPV1) channels and sympathetic nervous system activation [8-10].
HabaNovaTM is a novel cultivar of Capsicum chinense developed through advanced molecular breeding techniques that regulate the cap-saicinoid biosynthesis pathway, resulting in virtually no pungency while maintaining high capsinoid content [11]. Study indicates its potential in-fluence on both white and brown adipose tissue function, suggesting a role in enhancing natural energy expenditure mechanisms [12]. However, despite these promising results, research examining the combined effects of capsinoid supplementation and structured exercise remains limited, particularly regarding body composition outcomes. More recently, a bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) has proven to be particularly useful due to its inexpensive and rapid assessment of body fat and muscle mass [13,14].
Therefore, the pilot study aims to examine the potential synergistic effects of HabaNovaTM supplementation combined with a structured exercise program on body composition in overweight and obese young women. By investigating changes in fat mass, lean mass, and other body composition parameters through a double-blind, randomized controlled trial design, this research seeks to provide preliminary evidence regarding the efficacy of this combined intervention approach.
METHODS
1. Participants
This single-center, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial was conducted at S University (Asan, Korea). The study protocol was ap-proved by the Institutional Review Board (IRB# 1040875-202401-BM-004) and registered at Clinical Research Information Service (KCT 0010278). All procedures followed the Declaration of Helsinki, and participants provided written informed consent.
We enrolled 30 subjects, of whom 27 completed the study. Three participants did not finish the intervention due to personal issues and an in-ability to stick to the exercise schedule. Exclusion criteria included diag-nosed eating disorders, allergies to capsicum, weight fluctuations, use of weight-loss medications or supplements, cardiovascular disease, metaolic disorder, diabetes mellitus, musculoskeletal injuries, and pregnancy.
2. Randomization and intervention
Treatment assignment was implemented through a secure web-based randomization system with block randomization (Randomizer.org). Participants were randomly assigned to two groups: one receiving combined exercise+HabaNovaTM (Ex.+HabaNovaTM, standardized to 1.0 mg capsinoids/g, n=15) or the other receiving combined exercise+placebo (Ex.+Placebo, n=12). A secure allocation system using coded identifiers was established to conceal group assignments. Study supplements were prepared in identical packaging with sequential numbering corresponding to the randomization schedule, but no information about intervention allocation was revealed. The principal investigator, outcome asses-sors, and analysts remained blinded until the completion of the study period. Documentation used participant identification codes rather than intervention group designations in all research materials accessible to the blinded team members.
The placebo tablets containing microcrystalline cellulose (Avicel PH-102, FMC BioPolymer, Philadelphia, PA, USA) were manufactured to be indistinguishable from the HabaNovaTM tablets in size, color, shape, texture and taste to maintain the double-blind design. The effective dose in mice (50 mg/kg bw/day) was converted using the formula HED=Animal dose×(Animal Km/Human Km), where Km factors are 3 for mice and 37 for humans. This conversion yielded 50×(3/37)=4.05 mg/kg/day, which for an average 60 kg adult equals approximately 243 mg/day [12,15]. We rounded to 250 mg/day for practical administration. All supplements were manufactured by Naturalendo Tech Co., Ltd. (Seongnam, Korea) under Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) conditions with certified analysis of content and purity. Study personnel remained blinded to treatment allocation throughout the study period.
3. Exercise protocol
The 8-week exercise program combined supervised and home-based components. Participants were instructed to take one tablet 30 minutes before their scheduled exercise time (approximately 6:00-7:00 PM) every day. Supervised exercise sessions were conducted at the university fitness center. These sessions consisted of treadmill walking for 30 minutes, three times a week, at a low intensity of 57-63% HRmax. This intensity was calculated individually using the formula based on ACSM exercise guidelines [16]. Target heart rate was continuously monitored using a smartwatch (Samsung Electro, Korea). The home-based exercise program consisted of resistance training performed twice per week. The program included squats and kneeling push-ups performed for 2 sets of 8-12 repetitions, and planks held for 1 minute for 1 set for 4 weeks and 2 sets after 4wk with 30-second rest intervals between sets. Exercise intensity was monitored using the Borg scale, with participants maintaining a Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) of 11-12. Every 2 weeks, exercise intensity was progressively increased according to the Borg scale 11-12. Exercise compliance was monitored through electronic attendance records, heart rate data, and weekly exercise logs.
4. Outcome measurements
Outcomes comprised of anthropometric measurements and body composition changes. All measurements were conducted at baseline, week 4, and week 8 following standardized protocols. Height and weight were measured using a stadiometer and digital scale (BSM370, InBody Co., Korea). Waist circumference was measured at the midpoint between the lower rib and iliac crest, and hip circumference was measured at the widest circumference of the hip area using a Gulick tape. Body composition was assessed using multifrequency BIA (InBody 720, InBody Co. Ltd.) following manufacturer guidelines (≥8-h fast, 24-h exercise abstention). Dietary intake was assessed using 3-day food records analyzed using CAN-Pro 6.0. Subjective responses to HabaNovaTM consumption were examined through a standardized questionnaire that assessed: (1) perceived physical changes after consumption (timing, duration, and nature); (2) gastrointestinal comfort rated on a 5-point Likert scale; (3) changes in sweating patterns during exercise; and (4) perceived exercise effectiveness compared to baseline rated on a 5-point scale. The questionnaire was administered for analysis.
5. Statistical analysis
Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 26.0 (IBM Corp., NY, USA). Descriptive statistics were used to summarize participant characteristics. The normality of data distribution was assessed using the Shapiro-Wilk test. All variables were normally distributed (p <.05). A two-way repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to examine differences in the rate of change between groups for outcome variables, with group as the between-subjects factor and assessment time point (baseline, week 4, and week 8) as the within-subjects factor. Greenhouse-Geisser adjusted F values were reported when the as-sumption of sphericity was violated. Between-group differences were assessed using independent samples t-tests, while within-group changes were analyzed using paired samples t-tests. Results are presented as mean±standard error (SE). Statistical significance was set at p <.05 for all analyses (Table 1).
Baseline characteristics of the subjects
RESULTS
1. Body composition and anthropometric measure
The effects of the 8-week intervention on body composition and anthropometric parameters were analyzed (Tables 2, 3). For body weight, significant main effects for time (F=18.59, p <.001) and group (F=5.46, p =.028) were observed, with a significant time×group interaction (F=4.00, p =.025). Similarly, BMI showed significant main effects for time (F=18.53, p <.001) and group (F=5.53, p =.027), with a significant time× group interaction (F=4.11, p =.022). Body fat percentage demonstrated a significant main effect for time (F=11.53, p <.001), but neither the group effect (F=4.04, p =.055) nor the time×group interaction (F=2.40, p = .101) reached statistical significance. For body fat mass, significant main effects were identified for time (F=21.58, p <.001) and group (F=7.37, p =.012), with a significant time×group interaction (F=4.66, p =.014).
Two-way repeated measures ANOVA for body composition changes (Δ) following 8-week intervention
Two-way repeated measures ANOVA for anthropometric measures changes (Δ) following 8-week intervention
For anthropometric measures, waist girth showed significant main effects for both time (F=11.4, p =.002) and group (F=10.8, p =.003), with a significant time×group interaction (F=10.8, p =.003). Hip girth demonstrated significant main effects for time (F=10.9, p =.003) and group (F=21.8, p<.001), with a significant time×group interaction (F=21.8, p<.001).
The significant time×group interactions indicated differential responses between the Ex.+HabaNovaTM and Ex.+Placebo groups across the intervention period. Post-hoc analyses revealed that the Ex.+HabaNovaTM group exhibited earlier and more pronounced changes than the Ex.+ Placebo group. In the Ex.+HabaNovaTM group, significant reductions from baseline were observed at both week 4 and week 8 for body weight (-2.19 kg, p <.01; −3.15 kg, p <.001), BMI (-0.85 kg/m², p <.01; −1.23 kg/m², p<.001), body fat percentage (-1.75%, p<.001; −2.66%, p<.01), and body fat mass (-1.97 kg, p <.001; −2.88 kg, p <.001). In contrast, the Ex.+Placebo group showed more modest improvements, with significant body composition changes only at week 8 for body weight (-1.17 kg, p <.05), BMI (-0.44 kg/m², p <.05), body fat percentage (-0.96%, p <.05), and body fat mass (-1.03 kg, p<.01).
For anthropometric measurements, the Ex.+HabaNovaTM group showed significant decreases from baseline to week 8 in waist circumference (-4.30 cm, p <.001) and hip circumference (-3.99 cm, p <.001), while the Ex.+Placebo group showed no significant changes in these parameters. Between-group comparisons at week 8 revealed significantly greater reductions in hip circumference in the Ex.+HabaNovaTM group compared to the Ex.+Placebo group (p <.05) (Tables 4, 5).
Within-group changes in body composition at baseline, week 4, and week 8
Within-group and between-group changes in anthropometric measurements from baseline to week 8
DISCUSSION
This pilot study revealed several interesting findings regarding the combination of HabaNovaTM supplementation with structured exercise in overweight and obese young women. This 8-week intervention study demonstrates that HabaNovaTM supplementation combined with exercise produces significantly greater improvements in body composition parameters compared to exercise alone. The combined approach result-ed in more substantial and earlier reductions in body weight, BMI, body fat percentage, and body fat mass, with significant effects observed as early as week 4. The preservation of fat-free mass and skeletal muscle mass in both groups indicates that the observed weight loss was primar-ily due to reductions in body fat. HabaNovaTM appears to be a promising adjunct to exercise for individuals seeking to optimize body composition outcomes. This preservation likely stems from our combined exercise approach, supporting previous findings on the effectiveness of multi-modal training during weight management interventions [4,5]. Conse-quently, interventions to improve body composition by reducing fat mass and preserving or enhancing lean mass have become a major focus of public health and clinical research.
In particular, Irandoost et al.'s meta-analysis [17] reported that capsinoid supplementation led to a modest but significant increase in resting metabolic rate of approximately 34 kcal/day compared to placebo groups. The combination with our structured exercise program appears to have produced stronger effects than what might be expected from either intervention alone. This synergistic effect suggests that timing supplementation with exercise may be more important than previously thought, though the exact mechanisms need further investigation.
Notably, only the Ex.+HabaNovaTM group achieved significant reductions in waist and hip circumferences, with the between-group differ-ence in hip circumference reduction reaching significance. These findings suggest possible preferential effects on visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue. This finding carries special significance given the established links between central fat distribution and cardiometabolic risk [18]. The magnitude of circumference reductions in the Ex.+HabaNovaTM group exceeds typical responses to low-intensity exercise alone, suggesting HabaNovaTM may enhance regional fat loss. These anthropometric improvements carry particular clinical significance given the established relationship between central adiposity and cardiometabolic risk factors [19].
The marked contrast between intervention and placebo group outcomes suggests that HabaNovaTM may play a supportive role in enhancing the effects of exercise. While our exercise protocol's low intensity (57-63% HRmax) follows current exercise guidelines [20], the limited response in the combined Ex.+Placebo group indicates that this intensity alone may be suboptimal for body composition changes. The enhanced outcomes in the combined intervention group support the hypothesis that, because of HabaNovaTM, exercise-induced fat loss is augmented, possibly through enhanced thermogenesis and modified substrate utili-zation. This interpretation aligns with previous metabolic studies reporting increased fat oxidation rates with pre-exercise capsinoid administration [21-23].
Our results also show that muscle preservation can be effectively achieved by combining exercise with HabaNovaTM. This finding aligns with systematic reviews concluding that mixed exercise added to energy-restricted diets prevents muscle loss in various populations.
This study analyzed physical responses following HabaNovaTM consumption through questionnaire evaluations. Some subjects in the Ex.+HabaNovaTM group reported experiencing physical changes approximately 30 minutes after ingestion, with these effects subsiding within one hour. This response pattern differed markedly from the intense stimulation typically associated with conventional capsaicin consumption. Notably, 93% of participants in the Ex.+HabaNovaTM group (all except one subject) reported no gastrointestinal discomfort, such as a burning sensation or heartburn, confirming HabaNovaTM's reduced side-effect profile compared to traditional capsaicin. Following HabaNovaTM intake, many subjects experienced accelerated onset of sweating, increased perspiration volume during exercise. Subjects in the HabaNovaTM group also reported perceived enhancement of exercise effectiveness compared to the placebo group. However, we acknowledge that the relationship between these subjective perceptions and underlying physiological mechanisms requires careful interpretation. The connection between subjective exercise expe-rience and objective physiological adaptations warrants further investigation through studies incorporating direct physiological measurements such as calorimetry, infrared thermography, and catecholamine profiling alongside subjective assessments. Despite these observations provide valuable information regarding the tolerability of HabaNovaTM and suggest potential effects on physiological responses during exercise. Future research should employ more comprehensive physiological monitoring to elucidate the specific mechanisms underlying the observed effects and their relationship to the body composition improvements documented in this study. While our results show promising effects, it's important to note that these findings are preliminary and the clinical significance of the observed differences requires validation in larger, more diverse populations over longer time periods.
Several limitations warrant consideration. The relatively small sample size (n=27) and short intervention period (8 weeks) may limit the gener-alizability, as they may not fully capture long-term effects or broader population responses. Additionally, while BIA provided reliable body composition measurements [23], future studies might benefit from more precise techniques like dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) for regional fat distribution analysis. Future research directions should include larger-scale randomized controlled trials with extended intervention periods, diverse participant populations, and more comprehensive outcome measures. Integration of advanced imaging techniques and detailed metabolic assessments would elucidate the mechanisms underlying the observed effects. Investigation of dose-response relationships and timing of supplementation relative to exercise could optimize the intervention protocol.
CONCLUSION
This pilot study provides encouraging evidence for combining HabaNovaTM supplementation with structured exercise to improve body composition in overweight and obese young women. The observed en-hancements in fat loss, particularly in the abdominal region, while maintaining muscle mass, suggest potential synergistic effects worthy of further investigation. Future research should examine these effects in larger, more diverse populations over extended periods, with particular attention to dose-response relationships and timing of supplementation relative to exercise.
Notes
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The author would like to thank all the participants who volunteered for this study. Special thanks to Gyubin Park and Taegyu Kim (graduate students) for their assistance in conducting the research, Hyewon Jin (clinical laboratory technologist) for her help with blood sampling.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST
The authors declare that they do not have conflict of interest.
AUTHOR CONTRIBUTIONS
Conceptualization: Kang HJ; Data curation: Kang HJ; Formal analysis: Kang HJ; Funding acquisition: Kang HJ; Methodology: Kang HJ; Project administration: Kang HJ; Visualization: Kang HJ; Writing - original draft: Kang HJ; Writing - review & editing: Kang HJ.