MANAGEMENT OF OVERWEIGHT AND OBESITY

A diet naturally rich in fibre is likely to be low in fat and sugar, and also to be less palatable and more chewy and hence, perhaps, more satiating than a typical Western diet. All of this should aid weight control. The experimental evidence that the fibre in food has an effect per se on energy balance is slight and hard to obtain. Studies with supplements of concentrated fibre suggest that fibre, especially soluble fibre, does have satiating and hunger-suppressing properties. Double-blind, placebo-controlled trials confirm that in subjects trying to lose weight, the addition of a fibre supplement can increase weight loss. This may be because of improved compliance with the diet which in turn could be because constipation is prevented. Another mode of action is increased excretion of energy in the stools. Weight-reducing diets should, if possible, be rich in natural food fibre but supplements of concentrated fibre are a reasonable alternative.