Can dietary viscous fiber affect body weight independently of an energy-restrictive diet? A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Abstract

Background The role of dietary fiber in obesity management remains debatable. Evidence suggests that intake of viscous fiber may have the potential to facilitate weight loss. Objective We aimed to summarize and quantify the effects of viscous fiber on body weight, BMI, waist circumference, and body fat, independent of calorie restriction, through a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Methods Trials ≥4 wk in duration that assessed the effect of viscous fiber supplemented to an ad libitum diet along with comparator diets were included. MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane library were searched through 24 July, 2019. Two independent reviewers extracted relevant data. Data were pooled using the generic inverse variance method and random-effects models and expressed as mean differences with 95% CIs. Interstudy heterogeneity was assessed (Cochran Q statistic) and quantified (I2 statistic). The overall certainty of evidence was explored using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. Results Findings from 62 trials (n = 3877) showed that viscous fiber reduced mean body weight (−0.33 kg; 95% CI: −0.51, −0.14 kg; P = 0.004), BMI (in kg/m2) (−0.28; 95% CI: −0.42, −0.14; P = 0.0001), and waist circumference (−0.63 cm; 95% CI: −1.11, −0.16 cm; P = 0.008), with no change in body fat (−0.78%; 95% CI: −1.56%, 0.00%; P = 0.05) when consumed with an ad libitum diet. Greater reductions in body weight were observed in overweight individuals and those with diabetes and metabolic syndrome. The certainty of evidence was graded moderate for body weight, high for waist circumference and body fat, and low for BMI. Conclusions Dietary viscous fiber modestly yet significantly improved body weight and other parameters of adiposity independently of calorie restriction. Future trials are warranted to address the inconsistency and imprecision identified through GRADE and to determine long-term weight-loss sustainability. This systematic review and meta-analysis was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT03257449.

Specific Dietary Components and Gut Microbiota Composition are Associated with Obesity in Children and Adolescents with Prader–Willi Syndrome

“…From observational investigations to longitudinal cohorts and intervention studies, a myriad of studies has analyzed the dietary determinants of obesity in the general population. However, due to the complex etiology of obesity with multiple genetic and environmental factors and confounders, research has only been able to identify very few nutrients associated with weight management, including fiber, fat, fruit and vegetable intake, sugar-rich drinks, or energy-dense micronutrient-poor foods [25][26][27]. It is worth mentioning that the parents of children with PWS are generally extremely involved in their care and nutrition plan, as shown by the well-balanced macronutrient distribution in their diets.…”

The Health Benefits of Dietary Fibre

“…Data from six of the trials also suggested an association of dietary pulse consumption with reduced body fat percentage [ 26 ]. In a separate systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature on the effects of viscous fibre ingestion on body weight and composition from 62 trials and 3877 participants, there was a similar significant association with weight loss of −0.33 kg [ 27 ]. Finally, in the ‘Preventing Overweight Using Novel Dietary Strategies’ (POUNDS Lost) study, in 345 participants who consumed a calorie-restricted diet (−750 kcal per day) for 6 months, the most successful predictor of reduction in body weight from a variety of anthropometric and dietary factors was intake of dietary fibre [ 28 ].…”

Hypocholesterolemic and Anti-Obesity Effects of Radish Sprouts (Raphanus Sativus) in Adult Females

“…Moreover, fermentation of fibers creates shortchain fatty acids that modify intake patterns through releasing peptides and gut hormones such as cholecystokinin and glucagon such as peptide 1; hence lowering hunger and endorsing satiety (Anderson et al, 1994, Yao and Roberts, 2001and Du et al, 2009. Also, Jovanovski et al (2020) stated that the inclusion of viscid fibers as part of an ad libitum diet in adults, with a more obvious effect noticedon body weight in overweighted/ obese persons and those with diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Viscid fibers as a monotherapy did not represent clinically significant weight loss, however, co-administration of viscid fiber with an energy-restricted diet may alternatively provide a more efficientapproach.…”