The alarming increase in the global prevalence of obesity, in both adults and children, has become one of the major public health challenges worldwide.
It is estimated that the number of obese individuals will surpass one billion by 2030. This phenomenon, largely driven by lifestyle and dietary changes (such as reduced physical activity and increased consumption of high-calorie foods), disrupts the balance between energy intake and expenditure, leading to excess energy stored in the body.
Obesity and its complications not only severely threaten human well-being and life expectancy but also impose a significant burden on healthcare systems and quality of life.
Excess weight is associated with a higher risk of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, hyperlipidemia, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and cardiovascular diseases (CVD).
The strategic role of berries
In response to these challenges, research has focused on the potential benefits of natural products such as berries, which are considered reservoirs of bioactive components that offer high effectiveness with few undesired outcomes, unlike many anti-obesity drugs whose safety is still uncertain due to potential side effects.
Berries (including blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, cranberries, blackberries, etc.) are a fundamental part of the daily diet, rich in nutrients and bioactive substances such as polyphenols, vitamins, carbohydrates, soluble dietary fiber and trace elements.
Global demand for these fresh fruits and their derivatives is constantly increasing, stimulating cultivation and production.
Recent studies conducted on animals and humans have confirmed that berries possess remarkable potential in counteracting obesity and associated complications.
Natural metabolic strategies
Their beneficial effect is expressed through several key strategies aimed at rebalancing metabolism and energy management:
- Regulation of Appetite and Food Intake: Controlling appetite is crucial in reducing obesity. The bioactive compounds found in berries can help inhibit appetite and reduce food consumption.
- Improvement of Energy Expenditure: Some mechanisms are linked to increased thermogenesis (heat production and energy consumption).
- Suppression of Fat Absorption and Synthesis: Berries can limit lipid absorption and digestion, as well as reduce their synthesis and accumulation.
- Modulation of the Gut Microbiota: Another fundamental strategy is the ability to modulate the composition of the gut microbiota.
Polyphenols and their challenges
Phenolic compounds are the main phytochemicals responsible for the anti-obesity properties of berries.
These bioactive compounds play crucial roles in managing obesity, regulating appetite, energy expenditure, lipid metabolism and gut microbiota composition.
Blueberries are among the berry fruits specifically studied for their properties.
Despite their great potential, the effectiveness of berries depends on the bioaccessibility and bioavailability of their components.
Bioaccessibility and future applications
The phenolic compounds in plants are often found in complex or conjugated forms, such as polyphenol–protein or polyphenol–dietary fiber complexes.
During the gastrointestinal digestion process, polyphenols are partially released from these complexes, a step that increases their bioaccessibility.
To fully exploit the therapeutic potential of berries, several challenges must be overcome:
- Ensuring effective dosage.
- Improving bioavailability and the protection of functional ingredients during delivery.
- Deepening understanding of their interactions with human tissues.
Modern diet and prevention
The potential applications of berries in counteracting obesity and associated metabolic disorders are supported by the results of numerous studies.
In a context where eating habits and lifestyles have placed the average individual at an alarming level of risk, the strategic integration of foods with high nutritional and functional density, such as berries, appears to be essential.
They are not only a culinary pleasure but natural tools to support metabolic balance and the prevention of chronic diseases.
This awareness implicitly reinforces their value, positioning them as key elements in building a modern diet that is attentive to functionality and oriented toward long-term well-being.
Source: JOUR, The anti-obesogenic effects of dietary berry fruits: A review, Jiang, Haitao, Zhang, Wanli, Li, Xiangxin, Xu, Yan, Cao, Jiankang, Jiang, Weibo, Food Research International, 147, 110539, 2021, 2021/09/01/, 0963-9969, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodres.2021.110539
