Fermented soybean enhances post-meal response in appetite-regulating hormones among Indonesian girls with obesity.

Objective: To assess the post-meal response in appetite-regulating hormones acyl-ghrelin and insulin after fermented soybean (tempeh) consumption in girls with obesity.

Methods: A randomized counter-balanced crossover study was conducted using a breakfast (307 kcal, protein: 28%, fat: 23%, and carbohydrate: 55%) containing fermented soybean or isocaloric non-fermented soybean among 13 females (aged 18-20 y; BMI 25-30) after an overnight fast. The outcome variables were plasma acyl-ghrelin, insulin, arginine and score of the visual analog scale (VAS) appetite questionnaire.

Results: While no change was observed after the non-fermented soybean meal, plasma acyl-ghrelin decreased by 35% at 30 min and remained below baseline until 120 min after the fermented soybean meal (P < 0.05). Plasma insulin increased after consumption of both meals and fermented soybean meal-induced 30% greater response in insulin at 120 min than non-fermented soybean meal (P < 0.05). Circulating arginine levels were slightly greater (24%) at 120 min after the fermented soybean meal than the non-fermented soybean meal (P < 0.05). No difference in subjective appetite was observed between the fermented soybean meal and the non-fermented soybean meal.

Conclusions: Fermented soybean meal induced greater response in appetite-regulating hormones compared with non-fermented soybean meal. No difference in post-meal satiety feeling between fermented and non-fermented soybean meal suggests poor sensitivity of the brain to the appetite-regulating hormones among girls with obesity.