Beneficial Effects of Bioactive Compounds Obtained from Agro-Industrial By-Products on Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome Components

Abstract

The generation of agro-industrial by-products is an economic and environmental problem. However, these raw materials could be a suitable source for obtaining bioactive compounds for technological or nutritional purposes. On the other hand, obesity and metabolic syndrome prevalence are in continuous growth. The classical approach of hypocaloric diet and exercise has shown little long-term adherence. Thus, there is an unending search for new strategies to prevent and treat obesity and related metabolic alterations. In that sense, the revalorization of agro-industrial by-products for functional foods and nutraceutical development has gained relevance. Pomegranate, onion, and grape by-products, among others, have been described as promising raw materials for bioactive compounds obtention. Nevertheless, scientific evidence on the effects of specific sources and bioactive compounds on obesity models and clinical trials is needed. This article aims to show available data from studies on the effect of bioactive compounds obtained from agro-industrial by-products on obesity and metabolic syndrome components.