RESULTS The present study indicated that the efficacy of various fiber supplements on losing weight is variable .
Several mechanisms related to physicochemical properties of fibers such as solubility , fermentability and viscosity rates can be involved in their anti-obesity effects .
Dextrin , Mannan ( gum Arabic ) and pectin-rich fiber ( lupin kernel ) with no dietary interventions indicated a reduction in body weight and energy intake , while from clinical point of view , their effects were not considerable .
Overall , findings indicated that the efficacy of fiber supplements on obesity management is dependent on their contents and physicochemical properties .
It seems that fiber supplements with no weight-loss interventions did not have considerable antiobesity effects .
BACKGROUND Previous trials have reported beneficial effects of isolated and complex fiber supplements in obesity treatment .
However , recommending fiber supplements in obese subjects remains controversial .
To the best of our knowledge , no systematic review has up date d the data on the effects of fiber supplements on obesity since 2010 and the need exists for a systematic review on this topic .
Accordingly , a systematic review was undertaken to summarize the efficacy of different types of fiber supplements as a complementary treatment for weight management .
Effect of alginate supplementation on weight loss in obese subjects completing a 12-wk energy-restricted diet: a randomized controlled trial.
BACKGROUND Acute studies with alginate-based preloads suggested that these strong gelling fibers may induce increased feelings of satiety and reduce energy intakes . However , the long-term efficacy and safety of alginate supplementation on body weight regulation are lacking . OBJECTIVE The primary aim of the study was to investigate the effects in subjects of alginate supplementation  in conjunction with  energy restriction ( -300 kcal/d ) on loss of body weight and fat and , second , on metabolic risk markers in comparison with in a placebo group . DESIGN In a parallel , double-blind , placebo-controlled study , we r and omly assigned 96 obese subjects to either an energy-restricted diet plus a placebo preload supplement or an energy-restricted diet plus an alginate-based preload supplement ( 15 g fiber ) . The preload was administered as a beverage 3 times/d before main meals for a period of 12 wk . RESULTS No differences in loss of body weight and fat between groups were shown in the intension-to-treat ( ITT ) analysis ( P > 0.1 ) . However , in the completer analysis ( n = 80 ) , we showed a greater weight loss with alginate ( 6.78 ± 3.67 kg ) than with the placebo ( 5.04 ± 3.40 kg ) ( P = 0.03 ) , which was mainly attributed to a reduction in the percentage of body fat ( P = 0.03 ) . In the ITT analysis , a larger decrease in systolic and diastolic blood pressure was shown in the placebo group than in the alginate group ( P < 0.05 ) . Plasma concentrations of glucose , insulin , C-reactive protein , and ghrelin , HOMA-IR , and lipid metabolism did not differ between treatment groups in the ITT analysis ( P > 0.1 ) . CONCLUSION These results suggest that alginate supplementation as an adjunct to energy restriction may improve weight loss in obese subjects who complete a 12-wk dietary intervention
RESULTS The present study indicated that the efficacy of various fiber supplements on losing weight is variable .
Several mechanisms related to physicochemical properties of fibers such as solubility , fermentability and viscosity rates can be involved in their anti-obesity effects .
Dextrin , Mannan ( gum Arabic ) and pectin-rich fiber ( lupin kernel ) with no dietary interventions indicated a reduction in body weight and energy intake , while from clinical point of view , their effects were not considerable .
Overall , findings indicated that the efficacy of fiber supplements on obesity management is dependent on their contents and physicochemical properties .
It seems that fiber supplements with no weight-loss interventions did not have considerable antiobesity effects .
BACKGROUND Previous trials have reported beneficial effects of isolated and complex fiber supplements in obesity treatment .
However , recommending fiber supplements in obese subjects remains controversial .
To the best of our knowledge , no systematic review has up date d the data on the effects of fiber supplements on obesity since 2010 and the need exists for a systematic review on this topic .
Accordingly , a systematic review was undertaken to summarize the efficacy of different types of fiber supplements as a complementary treatment for weight management .