Last updated September 1, 2026
Key finding
Inulin group lost significantly more weight between 9 and 18 weeks (−2.3 ± 0.5% vs −0.6 ± 0.4%, p = 0.012)
Inulin supplementation significantly improved weight maintenance and reduced ectopic fat in prediabetic adults compared to cellulose supplementation.
Quick read
The essential study design details in one scan.
EvidenceScore™
Moderate
Study type
RCTs
Follow-up
Medium-Term (3–12 mo)
Risk of bias
Some Concerns
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Plain-language summary
A plain-language read of the study’s main message and where it applies.
Study focus
Inulin supplementation significantly improved weight maintenance and reduced ectopic fat in prediabetic adults compared to cellulose supplementation.
These findings are significant as they indicate that dietary interventions, specifically inulin supplementation, can aid in weight management and fat reduction in prediabetic individuals. This could help prevent the progression to type 2 diabetes and improve overall metabolic health, making it a valuable strategy for clinicians working with at-risk populations.
The sample size and demographic characteristics may limit generalizability. The study duration may not capture long-term effects of supplementation. Potential confounding factors were not fully controlled.
Published in
Publication details and source links for this paper.
Nicola DG, Anne D, Nick O, Jimmy DB, E. LT, Gary SF. Inulin supplementation improves weight maintenance and reduces ectopic fat in prediabetic adults. Nutrition & Metabolism. 2015;12:36. doi:10.1186/s12986-015-0033-2
Inulin group lost significantly more weight (−2.3 ± 0.5%) compared to cellulose (−0.6 ± 0.4%, p = 0.012).
Lower hepatic fat content was observed in the inulin group at 18 weeks (p = 0.02).
Soleus muscle fat content was also significantly lower in the inulin group (p < 0.05).
Evidence network
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This study contributes evidence to Cocoa supplementation, Inulin supplementation and Weight loss dependent effect on HbA1c, Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG), GLP-1, and 2 more.
This study contributes evidence to
Primary intervention
Cocoa supplementation
Primary outcomes
Evidence topics
Primary intervention
Intervention and outcome relationships this study adds to the evidence network.
Editorial context
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Evidence network role
This section describes how the study fits into the current evidence network. It does not determine whether an intervention works on its own.
2
Related topics
6
Evidence pairs
886
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Evidence topic
Contributes evidence
Evidence topic
Contributes evidence
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Primary evidence
Evidence topic
matched_outcome
Related evidence
Evidence topic
Save evidence
Core evidence
The primary outcomes reported in this study.
Cocoa supplementation → Weight loss dependent effect on HbA1c
Cocoa supplementation → Weight loss dependent effect on HbA1c
Inulin supplementation → Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG)
Inulin supplementation → Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG)
Inulin supplementation → Hepatic fat content
Inulin supplementation → Hepatic fat content
Inulin supplementation → Soleus muscle fat content at 18 weeks
Inulin supplementation → Soleus muscle fat content at 18 weeks
Inulin supplementation → Weight loss dependent effect on HbA1c
Inulin supplementation → Weight loss dependent effect on HbA1c
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Relationships organized using the Dediabetes Evidence Intelligence™ framework.
This study contributes to evidence on Inulin supplementation and Fasting Glucose, Cocoa supplementation and Weight loss dependent effect on HbA1c.
This study contributes to the evidence on the following intervention-outcome relationships.
Diet and Nutrition
Curated evidence collections and hubs this study is part of.
All studies measuring Fasting Glucose
Measures Fasting Glucose as a key outcome.
All studies on Inulin supplementation
Contributes to Inulin supplementation evidence base.
All studies on Cocoa supplementation
Contributes to Cocoa supplementation evidence base.
All studies measuring Weight loss dependent effect on HbA1c
Measures Weight loss dependent effect on HbA1c as a key outcome.
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2 results
1 results
2 results
1 results
2 results
Generated from the study's connected evidence using Evidence Intelligence™.
Inulin supplementation appears to improve fasting plasma glucose (FPG).
ConsistencyScore™: Results are consistent across studies.
Ranked evidence signals
Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG)
EvidenceScore™ Moderate | EvidenceScore™ 69.0 | strong positive | ConsistencyScore™ Consistent | 1 study
Why this answer: This answer is based on a single supporting study.
Limitations
Inulin supplementation appears to improve hepatic fat content.
ConsistencyScore™: Consistency cannot yet be determined from the available evidence.
Ranked evidence signals
Hepatic fat content
EvidenceScore™ Emerging | EvidenceScore™ 59.0 | strong positive | ConsistencyScore™ Unclear | 1 study
Why this answer: This answer is based on a single supporting study.
Limitations
Inulin supplementation appears to improve soleus muscle fat content at 18 weeks.
ConsistencyScore™: Consistency cannot yet be determined from the available evidence.
Ranked evidence signals
Soleus muscle fat content at 18 weeks
EvidenceScore™ Emerging | EvidenceScore™ 59.0 | strong positive | ConsistencyScore™ Unclear | 1 study
Why this answer: This answer is based on a single supporting study.
Limitations
Inulin supplementation appears to affect weight loss dependent effect on HbA1c.
ConsistencyScore™: Consistency cannot yet be determined from the available evidence.
Ranked evidence signals
Weight loss dependent effect on HbA1c
EvidenceScore™ Emerging | EvidenceScore™ 59.0 | strong positive | ConsistencyScore™ Unclear | 1 study
Why this answer: This answer is based on a single supporting study.
Limitations
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