A Curtin University study will seek to determine whether an increase in fibre consumption can be effective for weight loss.
The year-long study, headed by Associate Professor Sebely Pal, at Curtin’s School of Public Health, will require overweight individuals to introduce fibre supplements into their diet.
“We are hoping to see an association between increased fibre consumption and weight loss,” Associate Professor Pal said.
The study will also examine the effects of increased fibre consumption on lipids, insulin, glucose and other metabolic risk factors in overweight and obese individuals.
“Previously we have found that eating a high fibre breakfast reduced the levels of fat in the blood by 24%,” Associate Professor Pal said.
“We have also shown that fibre supplementation can improve body weight, cholesterol, triglyceride and insulin over the short-term.
“Now we want to see if consuming fibre over a longer period can help overweight and obese people to lose weight.
“If our theory is proved correct, GPs and dieticians could place greater emphasis on including fibre supplements in the diet to help overweight and obese individuals to lose weight and keep it off.”
Volunteers participating in the study must be between 18 and 65 years of age, with a Body Mass Index (BMI) greater than 25 and less than 40.
Aside from the introduction of the fibre supplements, participants will be required to keep their dietary routines unchanged for the length of the study.
Potential volunteers seeking further information are encouraged to contact research coordinator Jenny McKay by telephone on 9266 2733 or email fibrestudy@curtin.edu.au.
Contact:
Kristy Jones, Public Relations, Curtin University
Tel: 08 9266 9085, Mobile: 0402 517 300, Email: k.jones@curtin.edu.au
Web: http://curtin.edu.au
