ABSTRACT
In the recent years, obesity has increased beyond imagination. Appropriate dietary strategies which have the potential for weight loss demand patience and strong determination on part of the individual, however inclusion of functional foods like FOS that modulate gut hormones have a promising role in weight management. Methods: A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial was used as the study design wherein 65 obese adults were divided into experimental group (which was given 12 g of FOS) and a placebo group (which was fed with 12 g dextrose). The subjects were given the supplements daily for 12 week period. Their plasma samples were anlaysed for GLP-1 and microbial count in fecal samples were determined in terms of lactic acid bacteria, bifidobacteria and enteric pathogens. Hunger scores, dietary intake, and anthropometric parameters were assessed using standard techniques. Results: FOS supplementation resulted in improved plasma GLP-1 level by 17.0%. Significant improvement was observed in hunger score by 3.15% (p<0.05) along with reduction in dietary intake of energy (kcal) by 8%, carbohydrate (g) by 8%, protein (g) by 6% and fat (g) by 2%. Further, reductions were observed in total body weight (kg), BMI, % body fat and waist circumference (cm) levels by 4%, 1.06%, 4% and 1.66% respectively (p<0.001, p<0.001, p<0.001, p<0.05). The mean log counts of beneficial gut microbiota i.e. lactic acid bacteria and bifidobacteria increased significantly by 14 % and 10 % respectively along with 20% reduction in enteric pathogen. Conclusion: Daily intake of 12 gm FOS for 12 weeks helps in improving gut health and weight loss through increased satiety in obese individuals.