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 oligofructose supplementation on body weight in overweight and obese children: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
Limited evidence suggests that the dietary inclusion of oligofructose , an inulin-type fructan with prebiotic properties , may increase satiety and , thus , reduce energy intake and body weight in overweight and obese adults . The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of oligofructose supplementation for 12 weeks on the BMI of overweight and obese children . A total of ninety-seven children aged 7 - 18 years who were overweight and obese ( BMI > 85th percentile ) were r and omly assigned to receive placebo ( maltodextrin ) or oligofructose ( both at an age-dependent dose : 8 g/d for children aged 7 - 11 years and 15 g/d for children aged 12 - 18 years ) for 12 weeks . Before the intervention , all children received dietetic advice and they were encouraged to engage in physical activity . The primary outcome measure was the BMI -for-age z-score difference between the groups at the end of the intervention . Data from seventy-nine ( 81 % ) children were available for analysis . At 12 weeks , the BMI -for-age z-score difference did not differ between the experimental ( n 40 ) and control ( n 39 ) groups ( mean difference 0.002 , 95 % CI - 0.11 , 0.1 ) . There were also no significant differences between the groups with regard to any of the secondary outcomes , such as the mean BMI -for-age z-score , percentage of body weight reduction and the difference in total body fat . Adverse effects were similar in both groups . In conclusion , oligofructose supplementation for 12 weeks has no effect on body weight in overweight and obese children
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 .