The higher prevalence of overweight and obesity among the population contributes to increased incidences of chronic metabolic diseases. Obesity is considered a low-grade systemic inflammatory condition through 1) production of pro-inflammatory cytokines by adipose tissue and 2) alterations in intestinal microbiota composition and associated increase in intestinal permeability. Healthcare costs related to these diseases are rising; prevention or delay of onset of disorders associated with overweight is needed. Administration of wheat arabinoxylans (NAXUS), a non-digestible carbohydrate, may change the intestinal microbiota composition and have beneficial effects on gut epithelial barrier, especially on permeability and innate immune function.