Combined Exercise and HabaNova<sup>TM</sup> (NET-2201, Capsicum chinense L. cv.) Supplementation Potentiates Improvements in Body Composition and Anthropometric Measures in Overweight/Obese Women: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Pilo

PURPOSE: This pilot study examined the potential synergistic effects of combining HabaNova<sup>TM</sup> (NET-2201, <i>Capsicum chinense</i> 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+HabaNova<sup>TM</sup> (Ex.+HabaNova<sup>TM</sup>, 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 HabaNova<sup>TM</sup> (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 <i>p</i><.001). Significant time×group interactions and group effects were found for weight, BMI, and body fat mass (all <i>p</i><.05). The Ex.+HabaNova<sup>TM</sup> 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 <i>p</i><.01 to <i>p</i><.001). Waist and hip circumference significantly decreased at week 8 (-4.30 cm and -3.99 cm, respectively; <i>p</i><.001). The Ex.+Placebo group showed more modest improvements, with significant body composition changes only at week 8. The Ex.+HabaNova<sup>TM</sup> group exhibited significantly greater hip circumference reduction compared to the Ex.+Placebo group (<i>p</i><.05).CONCLUSIONS: HabaNova<sup>TM</sup> 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 HabaNova<sup>TM</sup> as an effective adjunctive strategy for weight management programs targeting overweight adults.