From left to right, the researchers involved in project Alfredo Martínez, Salomé Pérez, Blanca Martínez de Morentin, Idoya Ibero, Helen Hermsdorff, Aurora Pérez, Marian Zulet and Itziar Abete. PHOTO: Manuel Castells

- Interview with Aurora Perez (Radio 98.3)

The group of researchers of the Metabolic Unit of the department of Food Sciences, Physiology and Toxicology of the University of Navarra is looking for volunteers to participate in a new study that will analyze the ability of rosemary to reduce obesity and overweight.

The interdisciplinary team that will carry out the research, composed of dieticians-nutritionists, pharmacists, a doctor and a nurse, aims to test whether supplements with rosemary extract, which has antioxidant capacity, can help weight loss.

According to one of its managers, Professor Alfredo Martínez, "several programs of study have already confirmed that rosemary substantially inhibits the absorption of fats in the intestine, thus reducing the accumulation of fat mass and, therefore, weight gain". The expert also clarifies that previous research confirms the antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory capacity of rosemary.

"The extract we will use is a natural plant product that volunteers will take in capsule form. They will take it three times a day, together with their main meals. We hope that its action, and the follow-up of a hypocaloric per diem expenses - balanced and personalized - will help them to lose weight and fat mass according to each person's needs," Dr. Martínez explains.

The study is aimed at both men and women between 55 and 80 years of age who are overweight or obese. And although it has already been launched with a reduced group , it is expected that a total of 100 volunteers will participate in the project . Interested persons can contact contact with the Metabolic Unit of the University of Navarra by calling 948 425744 and 616244655, or by sending an e-mail to voluntariosnut@unav.es.

Free treatment
Aurora Pérez, dietician-nutritionist in charge of carrying out the study, explains that the volunteers will receive a per diem expenses guideline, "adjusted to their needs and which they will have to follow for eight weeks. It will tell them what foods they should eat, how much they should eat and the best way to cook them. We will carry out a biweekly follow-up of each participant, where we will weigh them, check their body fat, ask them questions about their life habits and customs, and in two of these visits they will also have to take a blood test". 

"In addition," concludes the dietician-nutritionist, "our Unit carries out other projects aimed, in all cases, at promote the prevention and nutritional treatment of obesity and its associated ailments. Treatments and actions that, in all cases, are free of charge, and for which new volunteers are always needed".