Dietary fiber in the prevention of obesity and obesity-related chronic diseases: From epidemiological evidence to potential molecular mechanisms

Obesity is a mostly preventable diet-related disease and currently a major challenge for human populations worldwide. Obesity is a major risk factor for diseases such as type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), cardiovascular disease (CVD) and certain cancers. Dietary fiber is a complex mixture of non-digestible molecules, mostly polysaccharides. Multiple epidemiological studies have demonstrated statistically significant reductions in risks of obesity, T2DM, CVD, colorectal cancer, and pre-menopausal breast cancer with higher dietary fiber intakes. Various direct and indirect mechanisms have been proposed including altered digestion and absorption, stimulation of gut hormones including glucagon-like-peptide-1 (GLP-1) and peptide YY (PYY), reduced appetite, and altered metabolism of bile and cholesterol. These may act via pathways involving G-protein-coupled receptors (GPRs), histone deacetylase (HDAC), and aromatase enzymes. Ultimately, fiber intake contributes to improving glucose levels and insulin sensitivity, lowering risk of T2DM, CVD and certain cancers. Therefore, diets rich in dietary fiber should be encouraged to prevent obesity and associated chronic disease.