The chronic effects of dietary fibre on metabolic syndrome risk factors in overweight and obese individuals.

INTERVENTION: Chronic, randomized, parallel design study over 12 weeks, with 4 intervention groups: 1‐placebo 2‐fibre supplement (12grams of psyllium, three times daily for a total of 12 weeks; mixed with water and taken before breakfast, lunch and dinner) 3‐Healthy eating plan according to the Australian Dietary guidelines (ad libitum (followed according to the participant's discretion) healthy eating plans for all meals and snacks for 12 weeks, was based on the dietary guidelines for Australian adults (2002). 4‐fibre supplement (psyllium) plus Healthy eating plan according to the Australian Dietary guidelines CONDITION: Metabolic risk factors in overweight and obese individuals PRIMARY OUTCOME: Improved blood pressure after 12 weeks. Blood pressure will be measured by research assistant using Systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) measured on the left arm of participants with an automated sphygmomanometer (Dinamap ProCare). Subjects will be rested in a supine position before and during measurements. Improved fasting blood lipid, lipoprotein profile, glucose and insulin response was measured by blood analysis. SECONDARY OUTCOME: Improved vascular endothelium function via Sphygmocor pulse wave analysis (PWA) INCLUSION CRITERIA: Body Mass Index (BMI) between 25 40kg/m2 Healthy Not on regular medications Non‐smoker No major diseases or disorders