Dietary Fiber Useful in Weight Loss

Dietary Fiber Useful in Weight Loss

ST. PAUL, Minn.Epidemiologic evidence suggestsdietary fiber intake is inversely associated with body weight, body fat and bodymass index (BMI), according to a review published in the March issue of Nutrition(21, 3:411-18, 2005) (www.nutrition.org).

Joanne L. Slavin, Ph.D., R.D., author of the report, wrote theaddition of dietary fiber generally decreases food intake and, hence, bodyweight. Many mechanisms have been suggested for how dietary fiber aids in weightmanagement, including promoting satiety, decreasing absorption of macronutrientsand altering secretion of gut hormones. She concluded increasing consumption ofdietary fiber with fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes across the lifecycle is a critical step in stemming the epidemic of obesity found in developedcountries, and the addition of functional fiber to weight-loss diets also shouldbe considered as a tool to enhance weight loss.