Glucosamine and Chondroitin in Preventing Inflammation in Overweight Patients

Inclusion Criteria:

-Individuals from the Greater Seattle area who are overweight (body mass index [BMI] of
25-32.5 kg/m^2)

Exclusion Criteria:

- Chronic medical illness, history of gastrointestinal, hepatic, or renal disorders, or
inflammatory conditions (including autoimmune and inflammatory diseases)

- Pregnancy or lactation

- Currently on a weight-loss diet

- BMI (body mass index) < 25 or > 32.5 kg/m^2

- Alcohol intake of greater than 2 drinks/day (2 drinks being equivalent to 720 ml beer,
240 ml wine or 90 ml spirits)

- Current use of prescription or over-the-counter medications other than oral
contraceptives and hormone secreting intrauterine device (IUD)s, multivitamin pills or
infrequent use of aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or use of
aspirin or NSAIDs more than 2 days per week

- Abnormal renal, liver or metabolic test

- Inability to swallow pills

- Known allergy to shellfish

- Not willing to take pills made from shellfish or animal sources

- Intention to relocate out of study area within next 2 months

- Any antibiotic use in the past 6 months