*2.3. Anthropometric Measurement, Body Composition, Blood Pressure, and Heart Rate*

There was no difference in anthropometric, body composition, and blood pressure parameters between the groups (Table 1). However, intragroup analysis revealed reductions in body weight, BMI, waist circumference, and total fat mass from the baseline in the two groups (*p* ≤ 0.01) (Table 1). Results showed a 4% decrease in heart rate in the brown seaweed group and a 1.5% decrease in the placebo group. When we compared changes from the baseline (post vs. pre) between the two treatments, brown seaweed extract showed a reduction in the heart rate compared with control (*p* = 0.01) (Figure 1).


**Table 1.** Anthropometric, body composition, and blood pressure parameters over time within and between groups.

BMI, body mass index; SBP, systolic blood pressure; DBP, diastolic blood pressure. † *n* = 56; *n* = 55 for total fat mass; *n* = 54 for visceral fat mass. <sup>1</sup> A repeated-measures ANOVA with two factors (treatment, post-pre phase) was performed to compare changes over time (post-pre) between groups. Mean ± SD pre-intervention (at the beginning of the 12-week trial) and post-intervention (at the end of the 12-week trial). <sup>2</sup> *p*-value to compare changes over time from the baseline to 12 weeks (pre vs. post) within each group (placebo or brown seaweed extract). <sup>3</sup> *p*-value to compare change over time (pre vs. post) between groups (placebo vs. brown seaweed extract).

**Figure 1.** Variations of heart rate over time within and between groups. - Pre-intervention (at the beginning of the 12-week trial). Post-intervention (at the end of the 12-week trial). A repeatedmeasures ANOVA with two factors (treatment, post-pre phase) was performed to compare changes over time (post-pre) between groups. Values are means with standard deviations represented by vertical bars. *n* = 56.
