ROLE OF BROWN RICE BIOACTIVES IN MODULATING LIPID METABOLISM AND ADIPOGENESIS: IMPLICATIONS FOR OBESITY MANAGEMENT

Abstract

Obesity is a global public health issue with a steadily increasing prevalence.  Based on the 2023 Indonesian Health Survey, the prevalence of obesity among adults (>18 years old) increased from 21.8% in 2018 to 23.4% in 2023.  Globally, the World Obesity Atlas 2023 reported that 38% of the world’s population is overweight or obese, and this figure is projected to reach 51% by 2035.  Obesity contributes to various metabolic disorders such as insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and inflammation.  Nutritional interventions that can modulate these metabolic pathways, particularly those involving functional foods, are important strategies for managing obesity.  This literature review aims to examine the potential of bioactive compounds in brown rice in regulating lipid metabolism and adipogenesis as a preventive and therapeutic strategy against obesity.  This study employed a systematic literature review method by analyzing original experimental studies (in vitro and in vivo) published between 2020 and 2024.  Articles were selected from reputable databases such as PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Scopus using keywords related to brown rice bioactive compounds (eg, γ-oryzanol, GABA, tocopherol, ferulic acid, phytosterols, polyphenols) and their roles in lipid metabolism and adipogenesis.  Inclusion criteria focused on full-text, peer-reviewed studies examining the metabolic effects of these compounds on obesity-related parameters.  Several bioactive compounds in brown rice - including γ-oryzanol, GABA, ferulic acid, phytosterols, and polyphenols - show anti-obesity potential through multiple mechanisms, such as inhibiting lipogenesis, enhancing lipolysis, promoting mitochondrial biogenesis and thermogenesis, improving insulin sensitivity, and reducing chronic inflammation in adiposetissue.  Germination and other processing methods have also been shown to increase the concentration and bioavailability of these compounds.  Brown rice is a promising functional food rich in bioactive compounds with potential anti-obesity effects.  These compounds play crucial roles in modulating lipid metabolism, reducing adipose tissue inflammation, and supporting metabolic health.  The development of brown rice-based dietary interventions could serve as an effective, evidence-based strategy for obesity prevention and management.