Abstract:
Background: Addressing the global obesity crisis requires new strategies, including exploring the role of dietary fibers in weight management among individuals with specific obesity-related genetic polymorphisms.
Objective: To determine the impact of glucomannan, inulin, and psyllium supplementation on body weight and composition in obese individuals with specific genetic polymorphisms, under a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial setting.
Methods: This double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involved 112 obese adults, each with at least one minor allele in FTO, LEP, LEPR, or MC4R polymorphisms. Participants were randomized to receive either a fiber supplement (glucomannan, inulin, and psyllium) or a placebo for 180 days. Primary outcomes focused on body weight and BMI changes.
Results: The trial achieved a high completion and adherence rate of 93.7%. In the experimental group, there was a significant reduction in body weight (-7.3%; 95% CI: -9.0% to -5.6%, p<0.01) and BMI (-2.2 kg/m2; 95% CI: -2.3 to -2.1, p<0.01) compared to the placebo group (body weight: -2.4%; 95% CI: -3.5% to -1.3%, BMI: -0.8 kg/m2; 95% CI: -0.9 to -0.6). Significant reductions in fat mass (-19.4%; 95% CI: -21.3% to -17.5%, p<0.01) and visceral fat rating (-1.9; 95% CI: -2.1 to -1.7, p<0.01) were observed in the experimental group. No notable changes were seen in fat-free mass, blood pressure, fasting plasma glucose, hsCRP, and lipid profiles.
Homozygous minor allele carriers in the experimental group demonstrated a greater decrease in body weight (-9.4%; 95% CI: -10.6% to -8.2%, p<0.01) and BMI, compared to mixed allele carriers (-5.6%; 95% CI: -6.7% to -4.4%, p<0.01). Additionally, these carriers showed a more significant reduction in fat mass (-24.9%; 95% CI: -27.2% to -22.6%, p<0.01) and visceral fat rating (-2.4; 95% CI: -2.6 to -2.2, p<0.01) compared to mixed allele carriers.
Conclusion: Dietary supplementation with glucomannan, inulin, and psyllium effectively promotes weight loss and improves body composition in obese individuals, particularly in those with specific genetic polymorphisms. This study highlights the potential of personalized dietary interventions in obesity management and underscores the need for further research into long-term effects and optimization of dosages.
Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06188832.
Audience Take Away:
- Implement targeted dietary recommendations for weight loss in clinical practice or personal health plans, especially for individuals with specific genetic profiles.
- Develop personalized nutrition plans that could lead to more effective weight management strategies.
- Incorporate findings into nutrition counseling and obesity treatment protocols, emphasizing the role of soluble fibers and genetic factors.
- Providing dietitians and nutritionists with evidence-based approaches to enhance the effectiveness of weight loss interventions.
- Offering healthcare professionals new insights into the role of genetics in diet and weight management, potentially leading to improved patient outcomes.
- Expand research on nutrigenomics and personalized nutrition by exploring other genetic polymorphisms and dietary components.
- Inform teaching curriculum for nutrition and genetics courses by including case studies based on this trial.This research provides a practical solution: By demonstrating a non-invasive, dietary approach to weight loss that could be easier to implement than other interventions like surgery or pharmacotherapy.
- By suggesting a cost-effective method for managing obesity, which is a significant public health issue.
- Improving the accuracy of dietary interventions by considering individual genetic differences.
- Potentially reducing healthcare costs associated with obesity and its related comorbidities.
- Contributing to the growing body of evidence that supports the role of personalized nutrition in healthcare.
