Abstract
Background: Saba banana peels, often considered waste, are a rich source of pectin that can be used as a food ingredient and nutritional supplement. This study explored the potential of saba banana peel pectin in managing obesity, focusing on its impact on food intake and body fat. Methods: In vivo experiments were conducted using high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese male mice. Mice were divided into groups receiving either HFD supplemented with saba banana peel (SP) pectin or commercial citrus pectin (CP) for nine weeks. Control groups included HFD-fed mice and a normal diet (ND) group. Results: Results showed no significant difference in daily feed intake among HFD and pectin-supplemented groups, though water intake increased with pectin supplementation. Notably, the total adiposity index (TAI) in the HFD+SP group was significantly lower than the HFD group and comparable to the HFD+CP group. Fecal weight increased in pectin-supplemented groups, suggesting the binding of unabsorbed fats, which likely contributed to weight reduction. Conclusions: Supplementation with 10% saba banana peel pectin significantly improved obesity-related parameters in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese male ICR mice, including a 13.39% reduction in body weight, 3.66% decrease in abdominal circumference, and 76.72% lower total adiposity index, along with increased water and fecal output. With a human equivalent dose of 4.87g per day for a 60-kg adult, saba banana peel pectin shows strong potential as a natural anti-obesity agent, warranting further investigation through clinical studies.

Keywords
Adiposity, Body fats, Commercial citrus pectin, Pectin, Saba banana peels pectin