The Role of Plant-Derived Prebiotics in Obesity Management: Mechanisms, Efficacy, and Active Compounds ^†

Abstract

Obesity, a multicausal global health disorder, requires innovative solutions beyond conventional weight control. Plant-derived prebiotics, like inulin, oligofructose, and resistant dextrin, have appeared as promising dietary interventions. These fibers nourish beneficial gut bacteria, which produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) that regulate appetite, enhance fat combustion, and improve metabolic markers. Clinical trials show that the consumption of 8–21 g/day prebiotics for 8–24 weeks reduces body weight, BMI, waist circumference, inflammation, and insulin resistance. By exploring mechanisms, bioactive molecules, and personalized approaches, this review highlights prebiotics’ potential as natural anti-obesity agents. However, further research is needed to optimize their contribution to public health initiatives for the effective management of obesity.

1. Introduction

Obesity is a global pandemic disease with severe health implications like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer [WHO]. Since conventional weight-loss diets are not successful in the long term, prebiotics, i.e., non-digestible plant fiber present in food items like chicory root and corn, are an option. Prebiotics serve as food for good gut bacteria, enhancing SCFA [1,2,3] production, which regulates appetite, metabolism, and inflammation. Clinical trials confirm that prebiotics reduce body weight, body mass index, and waist circumference and improve insulin sensitivity [4,5,6]. Their active components, best doses (8–21 g/day), and durations of treatment are outlined herein in review to make prebiotics evidence-based anti-obesity and obesity complication weapons.

2. Materials and Methods

A systematic review of clinical studies that assessed the effect of prebiotics on obesity was conducted. The keywords used in the search were “prebiotics,” “obesity,” “gut microbiota,” “Oligofructose”, and “inulin.” Data were collected from studies published from 2009 to 2023. Articles that were selected focused on trials with human subjects using prebiotics derived from plant sources like chicory root, corn, and rice bran

3. Results and Discussion

Clinical trials in

Table 1. Effects of Prebiotics on Obesity Metrics.

Source	Prebiotic	Dosage	Duration	Effects	Reference	Diet	Population
Chicory root	Oligofructose-enriched inulin	8 g/day	16 weeks	Slowed weight gain, reduced body fat, trunk fat	[1]	Ad libitum	42 obese children (Canada, 10–12 years)
Corn-derived	Resistant dextrin (NUTRIOSE®06FM)	10 g/day	12 weeks	Decreased weight, BMI, WC, HC, NC	[2]	Reduced omega-3	Iran, adults (BMI 25–35)
Chicory root	Native inulin	16 g/day	12 weeks	Improved psychological parameters	[3]	Hypocaloric	Belgium, adults (BMI > 30)
Juçara palm	Lyophilized juçara	5 g/day	6 weeks	No significant reduction	[4]	Ad libitum	Brazil, obese adults (BMI 30–40)
Chicory root	Inulin	10 g/day	8 weeks	Reduced weight, WC, HC, total cholesterol	[5]	Calorie restriction	Iran, obese women (BMI 30–40)
Chicory root	Oligofructose-enriched inulin	10 g/day	8 weeks	Reduced BMI, WC, HC, diastolic BP	[8]	Normal diet	Iran, women (BMI > 25)
Plant-based fibers	Nutraceutical supplement	N/S	25 weeks	Reduced WC	[9]	No intervention	Italy, healthy volunteers (BMI ≤ 34.9)
Jerusalem artichoke	Oligofructose-enriched inulin	13 g/day	24 weeks	Decreased BMI z-score, FMI, trunk FMI	[7]	No intervention	Thailand, obese children (7–15 years)
Chicory root	Inulin/oligofructose mix	16 g/day	12 weeks	Slight decrease in fat mass, plasma lactate	[10]	Weight loss advice	Belgium, obese women (BMI > 30)
Corn-derived	Resistant dextrin	10 g/day	12 weeks	Reduced anthropometric indices	[11]	No intervention	Iran, women with PCOS
Chicory root	Oligofructose powder	16 g/day	12 weeks	Decreased leptin, insulin, HOMA-IR	[6]	No intervention	Iran, NAFLD patients (BMI 25–40)
Chicory root	Inulin	10 g/day	8 weeks	Decreased fasting glucose, energy intake, pro-inflammatory markers	[12]	No intervention	Iran, diabetic women (BMI 25–35)
Rice bran/husk	Rice bran powder	N/S	12 weeks	Decreased weight, BMI, WC, pro-inflammatory markers	[13]	Energy-restricted	Iran, adults (BMI ≥ 25)

N/S = Not specified; WC = Waist circumference; HC = Hip circumference; NC = Neck circumference; BP = Blood pressure; FMI = Fat mass index.

demonstrate that plant-derived prebiotics (e.g., chicory root, corn) combat obesity by modulating gut microbiota. These fibers—particularly inulin, oligofructose (8–16 g/day for 12–16 weeks) [1,7,8] and resistant dextrin (10–20 g/day for 12 weeks) [2]—stimulate Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli, leading to increased short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production. SCFAs improve metabolic parameters like insulin sensitivity while reducing fat storage and appetite control [1,2]. However, effectiveness is source-specific; for instance, lyophilized juçara showed no effect [4], indicating the importance of prebiotic subtype and personal metabolic response in the treatment of obesity protocols.

3.1. Study Design and Control Measures

The trials, being randomized placebo-controlled trials, also controlled for the effects of diet and exercise so that the findings of weight loss were due to prebiotics. Even in trials with a hypocaloric diet or exercise, the effect ofprebiotics alone was isolated.

3.2. Physiological Factors and Participant Demographics

In the case of ethnic and physiological status, both women and men, children and adults, all of whom were obese or overweight, were covered in the studies, depicting the effect of prebiotics in different physiological conditions.

3.3. Ethnic Considerations and Population Relevance

Ethnically, most of the trials were conducted on Persians (Iranians), North Americans (Canadians), and Northern Europeans (The Netherlands and Belgium), showing the feasibility of using prebiotics in various populations.

3.4. Prebiotics and Their Role in Weight Loss

Prebiotics are shown to cause weight loss independent of caloric restriction as shown in Table 1 by modulating gut microbiota, regulating appetite, and boosting metabolism. Its effect can be optimized if combined with a healthy lifestyle.

4. Conclusions

These findings highlight the potential of plant-derived prebiotics as natural interventions for obesity management, with active compounds, appropriate dosages, and durations playing key roles in their effectiveness. Future research is needed to further elucidate the mechanisms of action, optimize dosages, and explore the synergistic effects of prebiotics when combined with probiotics as synbiotics.