Excess body weight is associated with an increased risk of developing varios diseases with an important health and social impact, such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, some types of cancers, musculoskeletal disorders and neurodegenerative diseases.

Diet and physical activity are the main factors that influence the development of overweight and obesity. In this respect, several studies have shown that the intake of dietary fibre may have a positive effect on body weight control; however, the available results are still inconsistent.

The aim of the present work was to study the intake and dietary food sources of fibre in a representative sample of Spanish adults (18-64 years) and to analyze the differences in fibre intake between people with different body weight and with or without abdominal obesity.

The present study demonstrates an insufficient fibre intake among the Spanish adult population, both in the whole sample and in the plausible reporters. The main dietary sources of fibre were grains and flours, followed by vegetables, fruits and pulses.

It was also observed an association between the fibre intake and excess body weight and abdominal obesity in the whole sample, but not in the plausible reporters. Although further studies are needed to confirm this association, it is advisable to increase the intake of foods rich in fibre in order to prevent diseases related with an insufficient intake.

Learn more about the study Intake and Dietary Food Sources of Fibre in Spain: Differences with Regard to the Prevalence of Excess Body Weight and Abdominal Obesity in Adults