The potential roles of dietary phytochemicals in the prevention and treatment of obesity

Obesity is defined as a chronic metabolic disorder in which excessive and abnormal fat accumulation that negatively affects health. Obesity is one of major burdens to health services due to its increasing worldwide prevalence in the recent years and associations with metabolic and chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, heart diseases, hypertension and various types of cancer. Lifestyle and behavior modification interventions, especially the modification of diet and physical activity level, are still important cornerstones for the prevention and treatment of obesity. In addition to lifestyle modifications, the potential of plant based products in obesity management has gained great attention in recent years. Phytochemicals are bioactive components naturally found in fruits, vegetables, cereals, and other plant based products, and generally responsible for the organoleptic properties of plants, such as color, taste and smell. It is known that dietary bioactive components have antioxidant, hypolipidemic, hypotensive, antiatherogenic, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, anticancer and anti-inflammatory properties that promote health. Dietary phytochemicals with potential benefits in the prevention and treatment of obesity and related complications include polyphenols, terpenoids, organosulfurs, and phytosterols. Recent studies show that bioactive components with antioxidant and antiinflammatory activity can support weight loss by increasing thermogenesis and total energy expenditure and reducing oxidative stress and inflammation. In addition, it is reported that phytochemicals can regulate physiological and molecular pathways involved in obesity, including their role in adipogenesis.