Abstract
PURPOSE: Obesity and associated metabolic disorders represent a major global health challenge. The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of a Multifaceted Lifestyle Program (MLP, combining dietary advice and supplementation with dietary fibre, probiotics and chromium) on weight, body composition and markers of metabolic health in overweight adults. METHODS: Fifty-seven overweight adults (BMI 25–29.9 kg/m(2), aged 19–65 years) participated in an 8-week intervention trial, with 50 completing the study. Participants were randomised into three groups (A–C): A: placebo (rice powder; control); B: MLP + BioPB (an equal part blend of carrageenan, konjac and cellulose); and C: MLP + P (psyllium fibre). The primary outcome was changes in anthropometric and metabolic health indices at 4 and 8 weeks. The secondary outcome was the effect of the different fibres. RESULTS: At week 4, participants receiving MLP + P and MLP + BioPB exhibited significant reductions (p < 0.001) in body weight (− 4.8 kg; and − 5.1 kg, respectively), BMI (− 1.7 kg/m(2) and − 1.7 kg/m(2), respectively), body fat mass (− 3.7 kg and − 4.2 kg) and visceral fat scores (− 1.9 and − 2.4). Some lean tissue mass loss was also evident. These changes were sustained for 4 weeks post-intervention. MLP + P and MLP + BioPB showed differing effects on blood lipids and inflammatory markers: reductions in cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol were greater and more persistent in the MLP + BioPB group, whereas the CRP levels (high CRP levels are linked to inflammation and metabolic disorders) were significantly reduced in the MLP + P group only. Significant improvements were also observed in the liver and kidney functions. No notable changes were observed in any parameters in the control group. CONCLUSION: The MLP, incorporating fibre supplementation, produced clinically significant improvements in body weight, BMI and body fat in overweight adults, offering a practical strategy for managing obesity. Importantly, the type of dietary fibre used had distinct metabolic effects, underscoring the need for tailored fibre interventions to optimise metabolic health. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00394-025-03873-w.