Some people feel like eating high-fiber foods causes weight gain when, in fact, it’s the opposite.

Fiber may not be considered the most glamorous nutrient, butit is certainly important.

But does eating fiber help with weight loss?

an illustration of a fork holding high fiber vegetables

Photo: Getty Images

And couldeating too muchmake you gain weight instead?

In addition, eating fibrous food helps to regulate blood sugar.

Fiber’s ability to make you feel full can help you stick to a diet.

They were told to eat a minimum of 20 grams of fiber daily.

Participants met with a dietitian every 8 weeks and were instructed to exercise for 90 minutes weekly.

A diverse and healthy microbiome may assist in weight loss and reduce the risk of obesity.

Helping Regulate Blood Sugar

Carbohydrates are themacronutrient that impacts blood sugar the most.

When you eat food that contains carbohydrates, the body breaks them down into sugar or glucose.

Eating more fiber slows down how quickly glucose is metabolized, resulting in a slower output of insulin.

Slow and steady after-meal blood sugar and insulin responses are linked to increased satiety.

Being backed up with stool can cause temporary shifts in the scale.

But how you gain sustained weight is to consume more calories than your body needs.

Are Fiber Supplements Good for Weight Loss?

Fiber supplements do not contain other nutrients, like protein and fat, that can impact weight.

Therefore, a food-first approach to weight loss is usually recommended because of the variety of nutrients in foods.

Doing so will help reduce gas and bloating and prevent constipation, nausea and dehydration.

Fiber acts like a sponge; it needs water to plump up and move through the digestive tract smoothly.

Here are some great ways to up your daily intake.

The Bottom Line

Increasing your fiber intake can benefit your heart and digestive health.

If your diet lacks fiber, increase your intake slowly and steadily while drinking ample amounts of water.

Drinking water simultaneously will reduce the risk of digestive symptoms like gas and bloating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fiber is great for weight loss and overall health.

Fiber-rich foods, like fruits and vegetables, help you to feel full, reducing your overall caloric intake.

A calorie deficit is important for weight loss.

This usually shows up when you eat more carbohydrates than you need, and they are stored as glycogen.

Trying to lose weight is a different journey for everyone.