Medium-Chain Fatty Acids Extracted from Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) Larvae Prevents High-Fat Diet-Induced Obesity In Vivo in C57BL/6J Mice

Obesity is a chronic disease associated with an increased dietary fat intake and reduced physical activity, posing significant health risks, including metabolic disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and diminished quality of life. This study investigated the anti-obesity potential of medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) derived from black soldier fly larvae (BSFL-MCFAs) in male C57BL/6J mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD). Lauric acid (>50% of total BSFL lipids) was the predominant fatty acid. Mice supplemented with BSFL-MCFAs exhibited significantly lower weight gain and food efficiency ratios (FERs) than HFD-fed mice, despite similar food intake. Medium-chain fatty acids derived from BSFL supplementation also attenuated HFD-induced increases in triglycerides, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels while improving cardiac risk indices. Furthermore, BSFL-MCFAs reduced serum glucose and leptin levels, mitigated hypothalamic endoplasmic reticulum stress marker expression, and decreased serum alanine transaminase levels, indicating protective effects against obesity-related metabolic dysregulation. These findings suggest that BSFL-MCFAs enhance energy expenditure and thermogenesis, thereby contributing to effective weight management and obesity prevention. As a sustainable and functional lipid source, BSFL-MCFAs hold promise as a feed additive for animals and as a dietary ingredient for preventing pet obesity, offering an innovative approach to combat obesity and its associated health risks.