Why Is Fiber Important for Weight Control?

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person standing on scale Posted on Tuesday July 13, 2021 | Obesity, Weight Loss, Wellness
Losing as little as 5% of your body weight can make a big difference in your body, improving health problems and helping you feel better, too.At The Bariatric Experts in Frisco, and Abilene, Texas, Dr. Scott Stowers leads our expert team in weight loss and weight control. We offer comprehensive weight loss programs, focusing on educating you on the most productive and healthy ways to get your weight within a healthy range and maintain it.

The importance of weight control

Being overweight can be costly to your health. Carrying too much weight on your body can cause health issues that take a toll on your quality of life, and in some cases, can put your life at risk.

Conditions include:

  • Heart disease
  • Stroke
  • Diabetes
  • Hypertension
  • Gout
  • Certain cancers
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Gallstones
  • Gallbladder disease
  • Sleep apnea
  • Asthma

You can also become more susceptible to these health risks if they run in your family.

Where do you begin, though, if you’re ready to make changes to your lifestyle and lose weight? Studies show that ingesting just 30 grams of fiber a day can contribute to weight loss and weight control.

Understanding dietary fiber

Dietary fiber is the part of plant foods that your body can’t absorb or digest. It offers many health benefits, including:

  • Reduces cholesterol
  • Adds bulk to your digestive tract
  • Helps with blood sugar control
  • Reduces risk of developing gastrointestinal cancer
  • Promotes healthy weight
  • Improves and strengthens your immune system

Our team can help create a customized, nutritious, dietary plan for you that includes delicious, high-fiber foods for your health journey.

Types of fiber

Fiber commonly has two types: one that dissolves in water and one that doesn’t.

Soluble fiber

Soluble fiber includes foods, such as oats, apples, citrus fruits, peas, and barley. They dissolve in water and form a gel-like material.

Insoluble fiber

Insoluble fiber includes wheat bran, nuts, cauliflower, potatoes, and green beans. This type of fiber develops bulk in your stool, causing movement through your digestive system, which helps if you struggle with constipation.

To get the full benefit of fiber, your diet should consist of both types.

Sources of healthy fiber

Adding fiber to your diet has proven evidence of helping with weight loss and weight control. Healthy sources of fiber include:

  • Fruits
  • Vegetables
  • Nuts and seeds
  • Beans, peas, and legumes
  • Whole-grain products

You can also take fiber supplements for additional beneficial nutrients.

To learn more about how fiber can enhance your weight loss and help you maintain a healthy weight, schedule a consultation with our team. Contact us by phone or book your appointment online today. We also provide telehealth as a service to you, which we can help set up.