Effects of a Fat Substitute, Sucrose Polyester, on Food Intake, Body Composition, and Serum Factors in Lean and Obese Zucker Rats

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Abstract
Sucrose polyester, a fat substitute, has shown promise in reducing blood cholesterol and body weight of obese individuals. Effects of this compound in the Zucker rat, a genetic model of obesity, are unknown. Thus, we examined food intake, body weight, body composition, and several metabolic parameters in sera of lean and obese female Zucker rats. Eight‐week‐old lean and obese animals were given a choice between a control diet (15% corn oil) and fat substitute diet (5% corn oil and 10% sucrose polyester) for 2 days. Next, one‐half of the lean and obese groups received control diet; the remaining lean and obese rats received fat substitute diet for 18 days. Cumulative food intake was depressed in fat substitute groups relative to control‐fed animals; however, this effect was more predominant in obese animals. Obese rats consuming fat substitute diet (O‐FS) gained less weight as compared to obese control‐fed animals (O‐C). Lean rats given fat substitute (L‐FS) did not have significantly different body weights as compared to the L‐C group. Fat substitute groups, combined, had lower body fat and higher body water as compared to controls. The O‐FS group had lower serum glucose and insulin and higher fatty acid levels compared to the O‐C group. There were no differences in serum cholesterol, HDL, or triglyceride levels due to fat substitute diet. These data suggest that the obese Zucker rat is unable to defend its body weight when dietary fat is replaced with sucrose polyester.