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 .
Effects of gum Arabic ingestion on body mass index and body fat percentage in healthy adult females: two-arm randomized, placebo controlled, double-blind trial
Background Gum Arabic ( acacia Senegal ) is a complex polysaccharide indigestible to both humans and animals . It has been considered as a safe dietary fiber by the United States , Food and Drug Administration ( FDA ) since the 1970s . Although its effects were extensively studied in animals , there is paucity of data regarding its quantified use in humans . This study was conducted to determine effects of regular Gum Arabic ( GA ) ingestion on body mass index and body fat percentage  among healthy adult females . Methods A two-arm r and omized , placebo controlled , double-blind trial was conducted in the Department of Physiology at the Khartoum University . A total of 120 healthy females completed the study . They were divided to two groups : A test group of 60 volunteers receiving GA ( 30 gm /day ) for 6 weeks and a placebo group of 60 volunteers receiving pectin ( 1 gm/day ) for the same period of time . Weight and height were measured before and after intervention using st and ardized height and weight scales . Skin fold thickness was measured using Harpenden Skin fold caliper . Fat percentage was calculated using Jackson and Pollock 7 caliper method and Siri equation . Results Pre and post analysis among the study group showed significant reduction in BMI by 0.32 ( 95 % CI : 0.17 to 0.47 ; P<0.0001 ) and body fat percentage by 2.18 % ( 95 % CI : 1.54 to 2.83 ; P<0.0001 ) following regular intake of 30 gm /day Gum Arabic for six weeks . Side effects caused by GA ingestion were experienced only in the first week . They included unfavorable viscous sensation in the mouth , early morning nausea , mild diarrhea and bloating abdomen . Conclusions GA ingestion causes significant reduction in BMI and body fat percentage  among healthy adult females . The effect could be exploited in the treatment of obesity
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 .