The effect of low dietary advanced glycation end products on metabolic parameters in overweight and obese individuals

Obesity is a public health issue, and medical nutrition therapy is its most critical treatment method. While several dietary approaches exist, low Advanced Glycation End Products (AGEs) diets have recently shown added benefits for weight loss and metabolic health. This study examined the impact of a low AGEs diet on metabolic parameters in mildly overweight and obese individuals aged 30–50 (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m²) not receiving medical treatment. Conducted between February and May 2024 in Ankara at a private nutrition counseling center, it included 45 participants.Data was collected via surveys covering demographics, eating habits, measurements, blood pressure, biochemical parameters, and 24-hour retrospective food records. Nutrition status and AGEs intake were evaluated, with an average of 9,575.1 ± 4,633.89 kU. The 12-week dietary intervention was based on a 6000 kU AGE limit; participants averaged 6,941.3 ± 1,723.22 kU AGEs intake. At the start of the study, AGE intake was found to be higher among men than women; single individuals compared to married; freelancers and students compared to housewives, retirees, and workers; those with existing medical conditions compared to those without; alcohol users compared to non-users; and smokers compared to non-smokers. AGEs intake levels were significantly higher (p<0.05) among individuals categorized as at risk based on waist-to-hip ratios at both baseline and the 12th week. Likewise, those with diastolic blood pressure ≥90 mmHg had higher AGEs intake compared to those with <90 mmHg (p<0.05). Gender comparisons at baseline and after the study revealed statistically significant differences (p<0.05) in fasting blood glucose, HbA1c, ALT, uric acid, and creatinine levels, with females generally showing lower values. The HbA1c level was 5.1 ± 0.41% at baseline and 4.7 ± 0.26% at the end of the study.Gender, marital status, marinating meat before cooking, and use of lemon-vinegar were identified as risk factors for higher AGEs intake (p<0.05). In conclusion, this study suggests that nutritional models containing low AGEs levels may serve as an effective strategy for reducing metabolic risks in individuals prone to obesity. Dietitians should consider AGEs content when providing medical nutrition therapy and offer AGEs-reducing dietary recommendations tailored to the individual's age, gender, and lifestyle. Obesity is a major public health concern with diverse treatment options. A low Advanced Glycation End Products (AGEs) diet is thought to support both weight loss and metabolic health. This study explored its effects on metabolic parameters in overweight and obese individual's age, gender, and lifestyle.