Effects of a 4-week Wheat Bran Diet Combined with Weight Self-monitoring on Visceral Fat and Body Weight Among Overweight Individuals

Background: Animal studies have shown that wheat bran (WB), which is rich in dietary fiber, has beneficial effects against postprandial hyperglycemia and fatty liver. The present study thus investigated the effects of a WB diet combined with body weight self-monitoring on visceral fat area (VFA) and body weight among overweight participants. Method: This single-blind randomized controlled trial was conducted in adults with a body mass index of 23 to <30 kg/m2. After screening, 44 participants were randomly allocated to either the combination or control group (n = 22/group). The combination group was instructed to consume 8 g/day of WB (1.6 g/day as arabinoxylan) with their regular diet and monitor their body weight daily for 4 weeks, whereas the control group was instructed to maintain their regular diet and monitor their body weight daily for 4 weeks. Results: Although both groups exhibited a decrease in VFA, i.e., the primary outcome measure, the combination group exhibited a greater reduction therein compared with the control group with a significant treatment by time interaction. Moreover, the combination group exhibited a significantly greater decrease in body weight, i.e., the secondary outcome measure, after 4 weeks than the control group. Conclusion: Incorporating WB into the daily diet together with weight self-monitoring therapy can be beneficial for reducing VFA and body weight.