Oligofructose from Jerusalem artichoke in a low-calorie diet for obesity
What it found
In obese adolescents and adults, a low-calorie diet plus Jerusalem artichoke concentrate containing oligofructose reduced hunger and lowered body mass index and body fat.
In girls and women, triglycerides fell and insulin resistance improved.
What they found
Studies in people
Hunger and fullness
People who took the Jerusalem artichoke concentrate with their low-calorie diet felt less hungry.
Body weight and fat
Body mass index and body fat percentage dropped significantly in those consuming the concentrate.
Triglycerides in females
In girls and women, blood levels of triglycerides were significantly reduced.
Insulin resistance in females
In girls and women, insulin resistance improved, based on a homeostatic model assessment.
What the authors conclude
“The results of this pilot study appear to demonstrate that the Jerusalem artichoke concentrate produced by a new technology can be a promising component of future diet therapy.”
Also in their conclusions
- They say the results of this pilot study appear to show that the Jerusalem artichoke concentrate made by a new technology could be a promising part of future diet therapy.
How it was done
A low-calorie diet is a basic part of obesity treatment. Adding fiber to food may increase fullness and help people stick to the diet.
12 obese students and 6 obese women followed a low-calorie diet (2,000 kcal/day) for 12 weeks. 16 obese students and 17 obese women followed the same diet plus Jerusalem artichoke concentrate providing 14 g/day of oligofructose. Fullness, body measurements, and blood markers of fat and sugar metabolism were checked.
What it can’t tell you
- We summarised it from the abstract only.
- This was a small pilot study, so the results may not apply to everyone.
- The study cannot show whether the concentrate alone, without the low-calorie diet, would have these effects.
The paper
- Title
- [Effects of oligofructose containing diet in obese persons]
- Type
- Study
- Evidence
- Studies in people
- Summarised from
- Abstract only
- Cite
- Antal M, Regöly-Mérei A, Biró L, et al (2008). [Effects of oligofructose containing diet in obese persons]. Orvosi hetilap. doi:10.1556/OH.2008.28387PubMed 18842551DOI
Summary written 26 Sep 2026. Check it against the paper before it changes what you eat. How we summarise papers · Report an error