Get the Facts on Fibre

Fibre and Weight Loss

There is some evidence that "bulking up" could lead to slimming down. In a recent study of more than 1700 overweight and obese men and women, those with the highest fibre intake had the greatest weight loss over 24 months. Results from the Continuing Survey of Food Intakes by Individuals (CSFII) from 1994 -1996 also supported the relationship between a high-fibre intake and lower body weight. One of the reasons that fibre may have an impact on body weight is its ability to slow the movement of food through the intestines. The gel-like substance that soluble fibres form when they dissolve in water causes things to swell and move slower in the intestines. This increase in time that foods stay in the intestines has been shown to reduce hunger feelings and overall food intake. It has also been shown to decrease the number of calories that are actually absorbed from the ingested food. One study showed an increase in the number of calories that were excreted in the stools when high-fibre psyllium gum-based crackers were given in comparison to low-fibre crackers. Whenever fewer calories are taken in, or more are excreted, weight loss will generally occur.

- Fibre and Digestive Health
- Fibre and Heart Disease
- Fibre and Diabetes
- Fibre and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Sources: YourTotalHealth, MedicineNet