Fiber-Based Ingredient Effectively Curbs Hunger

LIVERPOOL, UK—Research funded by Ingredion Inc. shows the fiber-based ingredient Weightain can effectively reduce hunger and help people consume less food. (Food and Function. 2014; doi: 10.1039/C4FO00253A.)

In the study, 90 normal to overweight participants were given a fruit-based smoothie for breakfast containing a dose of either 20 g or 30 g of the satiety ingredient, or a non-active control. Their subsequent intake of food at both lunch and dinner on that day was measured, and their levels of hunger examined.

The study found that food intake at both lunch and dinner times were lower when the satiety ingredient was given at breakfast, compared to the control. Overall, after the 20 g dose, 4 percent fewer calories were eaten, and after the 30 g dose, 5 percent less food was eaten at both lunch and dinner combined.  

At lunchtime, 5 percent less food was consumed after the 20 g dose than after the control. At dinner time, participants ate 7 percent fewer calories after the 30 g dose compared to when they had the smoothie made without the Weightain satiety ingredient.

Lower hunger levels after breakfast were recorded for both doses, and the 30 g dose produced lower hunger levels after lunch.

“This is the first study to examine the short term effect of this particular combination of fibers on appetite and food intake," said Jo Harrold from the University’s Human Ingestive Behaviour Laboratory in the Institute of Psychology, Health and Society. “Whilst more research is needed to measure these effects of the product over longer periods of time and in people who are actively trying to lose weight, this study demonstrates high fiber food products which make you feel fuller could provide a potential solution to weight management."

Hunger is a major barrier to successful weight control, and consumers need healthy foods that will help them control their appetite. Although fibers have the potential to modulate appetite without adding additional calories, they can make foods less appealing. Moreover, most studies employing fibers have failed to demonstrate positive effects on either appetite or food intake, and certainly no effects lasting the full day.

“What is notable is this product, given with breakfast, produced effects on appetite, which were apparent across the day," said psychologist professor Jason Halford. “This is important when consumers are seeking help controlling they hunger across the day."

For more information on weight management, visit the INSIDER Digital Issue “Weighing In."