Effect of high dietary fiber intake on insulin resistance, body composition and weight, among overweight or obese middle-aged women: study protocol for a randomized controlled trail.

Background Obesity is a major consequence of malnutrition and significantly contributes to the global burden of chronic diseases. Currently, there are more overweight and obese individuals than underweight individuals. Increased fiber intake can increase insulin sensitivity and fat oxidation. According to research studies, the average dietary fiber consumption is below the recommended value, and the WHO anticipates that the worldwide obesity prevalence has increased in the past ten years. Aim To evaluate the effect of high dietary fiber intake on insulin resistance, body composition, and weight in overweight and obese middle-aged women. Method This hospital-based study evaluated 500 people during phase 1 to identify the prevalence of insulin resistance among overweight and obese middle-aged women. An RCT with intervention and control arms for 180 individuals is being conducted in Phase 2 to determine the effect of increased dietary fiber consumption on insulin resistance, body composition, and weight in overweight or obese middle-aged women. In the intervention group, women were counselled for 15 min and given a tailored food chart including 40 g of fiber. Women in the control arm will receive a typical food care plan with 25 g of fiber, based on their health status. Each engaged woman received fiber nutritional empowerment. Discussion Increasing dietary fiber consumption can improve insulin resistance, body composition, and weight in middle-aged overweight and obese women. Trial registration The Clinical Trials Registry of India (CTRI/2022/01/039074) has registered this study as a clinical trial on January 3, 2022 http://ctri.nic.in