Metabolic Effects of Short Term Sugarcane Bagasse Supplementation

The investigators will employ a double-blind randomized controlled study design with 3 arms
such that obese, insulin resistant adults will be randomly selected to receive food made
with 1) sugarcane bagasse, 2) non-caloric, non-fermentable fiber, or 3) a similar product
with minimal fiber for 4 weeks. The intervention will be in the form of brownies and cookies
and will look and taste nearly identical to each other. Caloric value will be constant with
all three delivery systems. Subjects will have blood testing and body composition analysis
before and after the intervention.

Inclusion Criteria:

- Males and females age 18-50 years

- Body Mass Index ≥ 30 kg/m2 (a ratio of weight to height)

- Fasting insulin level >5 µIU/mL, as determined by tests performed during screening

Exclusion Criteria:

- Women who are pregnant

- Past medical history of diabetes

- History of intestinal surgery such as removal of bowel

- History of problems with absorbing food such as celiac disease, inflammatory bowel
disease, malabsorption syndrome

- Taking chronic medications for any medical conditions such as diabetes, hypertension,
cholesterol, thyroid hormone, etc.

- Any food allergies