The Effects of Increased Fiber Diet Consumption on Outcomes of Subjects With Visceral Obesity

The investigators propose to undertake a controlled dietary intervention study in UAE subjects with visceral obesity to examine the feasibility of a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and/or whole-grain fiber in the UAE population. The research will also investigate the longer-term influence of increased fruits, vegetables and fiber consumption on health and its capacity to sustain lifestyle change.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has one of the highest prevalence of obesity related diabetes mellitus in the World [3]. Visceral (abdominal) obesity is particularly common and more closely related to morbidity in the UAE. The investigators propose to undertake a controlled dietary intervention study in UAE subjects with visceral obesity, the aims of which are: (i) To examine the feasibility of a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and/or whole-grain fiber in the UAE population (ii) To examine the effects of increased fruits, vegetables and/or whole-grain fiber consumption on cardio metabolic risk factors (iii) To investigate the longer-term influence of increased fruits, vegetables and fiber consumption on health and its capacity to sustain lifestyle change. The proposed study will provide the scientific rationale and the methodology for improving the diet and promote healthy eating in the UAE population.