Preloads (250 ml) of 2% or 10% fructose containing 1% soluble fibre and 1% insoluble fibre or 10% fructose with 3% soluble fibre and 1% insoluble were administered 60 min before lunch to 24 healthy women, who were slightly overweight and considerably weight concerned. The fibre consisted of guar gum, partly hydrolysed for the soluble form. The placebo consisted of a solution of sweeteners (cyclamate and saccharin). After the experiment with three preload-types and a placebo, a random subset of 15 subjects returned for an experiment with one preload-type and a placebo, given 30 or 60 min before lunch. Food intake during the subsequent lunch was only significantly different from after the placebo in this subset of 15 subjects after the 10% fructose/3% soluble and 1% insoluble fibre preload after intervals of 30 or 60 min. However, energy intake of preload and meal was significantly higher than energy intake of placebo and meal. At the 30-min delay, eating rate was significantly lower after the preload than after the placebo; also, hunger ratings were lower after intake of a preload and meal than after intake of the placebo+meal, from immediately after lunch until 5 hours later. Energy intake over 24 h was not affected by administration of fructose/fibre or placebo 30 or 60 minutes before lunch in the 24 women.