Condition

Obesity

Obesity is a complex metabolic condition in which energy balance and hormones drift out of step, often alongside habits like emotional eating. Glucomannan and whey or casein protein have the strongest supplement evidence, and pooled trials of Triphala found lower body weight, BMI and waist size. Supplements sit alongside diet and exercise, the Triphala trials were small, and a saffron trial found less snacking in women, though that evidence is moderate.

Sources: PMID 20579522

Supplements studied: 65
Medicines and peptides: 5
Graded outcomes: 96
Trials: 137
People studied: 143,430

Evidence by supplement

Strong
Moderate
Limited
Very limited

65 supplements

Triphala (Emblica officinalis, Terminalia chebula, Terminalia bellirica)

Triphala (Emblica officinalis, Terminalia chebula, Terminalia bellirica): outcomes studied for Obesity
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People	Studies list
	Weight Loss Meta-analysis (7 trials, n=458): Triphala significantly reduced body weight (WMD -2.99 kg, 95% CI -5.31 to -0.67, p=0.012), BMI (WMD -0.79 kg/m2, p=0.032), and waist circumference. 12-week RCT: Triphala group lost approximately 5 kg vs placebo. Systematic review (5 RCTs): Statistically significant decreases in body weight, BMI, and waist circumference.	Improves (the measure goes down)	Moderate effect

Saffron

Saffron: outcomes studied for Obesity
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
	Blood glucose Small Improvement	Improves (the measure goes down)	Small effect	6 studies	624 people
Studies that measured blood glucose Effects of Crocus sativus on glycemic control and cardiometabolic parameters among patients with metabolic syndrome and related disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Nutr Metab · PMID 38796446 The effect of hydroalcoholic Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) extract on fasting plasma glucose, HbA1c, lipid profile, liver, and renal function tests in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A randomized double-blind clinical trialPhytother Res · PMID 30942510 Effects of Cinnamon, Cardamom, Saffron, and Ginger Consumption on Markers of Glycemic Control, Lipid Profile, Oxidative Stress, and Inflammation in Type 2 Diabetes PatientsRev Diabet Stud · PMID 26177486 and 3 more on the Saffron page
	Weight	Improves (the measure goes down)		3 studies	590 people
Studies that measured weight Satiereal, a Crocus sativus L extract, reduces snacking and increases satiety in a randomized placebo-controlled study of mildly overweight, healthy womenNutr Res · PMID 20579522 A placebo controlled randomized clinical trial of Crocus sativus L. (saffron) on depression and food craving among overweight women with mild to moderate depressionJ Clin Pharm Ther · PMID 31602695 Effects of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) on anthropometric and cardiometabolic indices in overweight and obese patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Phytother Res · PMID 35866520
	Creatinine	Improves (the measure goes up)		2 studies	75 people
Studies that measured creatinine Immunomodulatory effects of saffron: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trialPhytother Res · PMID 21480412 The effect of saffron ( Crocus sativus L.) supplementation on blood pressure, and renal and liver function in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A double-blinded, randomized clinical trialAvicenna J Phytomed · PMID 31309071
	Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)		2 studies	75 people
Studies that measured triglycerides Saffron and crocin improved appetite, dietary intakes and body composition in patients with coronary artery diseaseJ Cardiovasc Thorac Res · PMID 29391933 The effect of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) hydroalcoholic extract on metabolic control in type 2 diabetes mellitus: A triple-blinded randomized clinical trialJ Res Med Sci · PMID 29531568
	High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	75 people
Studies that measured high-density lipoprotein (hdl) The effect of saffron on weight and lipid profile: A systematic review, meta-analysis, and dose-response of randomized clinical trialsPhytother Res · PMID 31264281
	Hip Circumference	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	172 people
	Sperm Count	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	60 people
	Body Mass Index (BMI)	Improves (the measure goes down)			422 people
	HbA1c	Improves (the measure goes down)			300 people
	Insulin Resistance	Improves (the measure goes down)			184 people
	Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)			637 people
	Sperm Quality	Improves (the measure goes up)			60 people
	Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)			701 people
	Urea	Improves (the measure goes up)			75 people
	Waist circumference	Improves (the measure goes down)			547 people
	Waist-Hip Ratio	Improves (the measure goes up)			156 people

Cocoa Extract

Blood Flow: improves
High-density lipoprotein (HDL): improves
Blood Pressure: improves

Cocoa Extract: outcomes studied for Obesity
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
	Blood Flow Moderate Increase	Improves (the measure goes up)	Moderate effect	2 studies	69 people
Studies that measured blood flow NOX2-mediated arterial dysfunction in smokers: acute effect of dark chocolateHeart · PMID 21807659 Long-term ingestion of high flavanol cocoa provides photoprotection against UV-induced erythema and improves skin condition in womenJ Nutr · PMID 16702322
	High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)		13 studies	84 people
Studies that measured high-density lipoprotein (hdl) Effects of cocoa products/dark chocolate on serum lipids: a meta-analysisEur J Clin Nutr · PMID 21559039 Regular consumption of a flavanol-rich chocolate can improve oxidant stress in young soccer playersClin Dev Immunol · PMID 15712594 Effect of cocoa flavanols and exercise on cardiometabolic risk factors in overweight and obese subjectsInt J Obes · PMID 18504447 and 10 more on the Cocoa Extract page
	Blood Pressure	Improves (the measure goes down)		10 studies	69 people
Studies that measured blood pressure Safety and efficacy of cocoa flavanol intake in healthy adults: a randomized, controlled, double-masked trialAm J Clin Nutr · PMID 26537937 Characterisation of hypertensive patients with improved endothelial function after dark chocolate consumptionInt J Hypertens · PMID 23533716 Blood pressure and endothelial function in healthy, pregnant women after acute and daily consumption of flavanol-rich chocolate: a pilot, randomized controlled trialNutr J · PMID 23565841 and 7 more on the Cocoa Extract page
	Blood glucose	Improves (the measure goes down)		5 studies	35 people
Studies that measured blood glucose The effect of polyphenol-rich dark chocolate on fasting capillary whole blood glucose, total cholesterol, blood pressure and glucocorticoids in healthy overweight and obese subjectsBr J Nutr · PMID 19825207 Protective effects of flavanol-rich dark chocolate on endothelial function and wave reflection during acute hyperglycemiaHypertension · PMID 22851734 Dose-dependent increases in flow-mediated dilation following acute cocoa ingestion in healthy older adultsJ Appl Physiol · PMID 21903881 and 2 more on the Cocoa Extract page
	Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)		3 studies	69 people
Studies that measured triglycerides Prebiotic evaluation of cocoa-derived flavanols in healthy humans by using a randomized, controlled, double-blind, crossover intervention studyAm J Clin Nutr · PMID 21068351 Acute effect of oral flavonoid-rich dark chocolate intake on coronary circulation, as compared with non-flavonoid white chocolate, by transthoracic Doppler echocardiography in healthy adultsInt J Cardiol · PMID 18045712 Dark chocolate consumption improves leukocyte adhesion factors and vascular function in overweight menFASEB J · PMID 24302679
	C-Reactive Protein (CRP)	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	35 people
	Fat Oxidation	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	49 people
	Body Fat	Improves (the measure goes down)			20 people
	Cell Adhesion Factors	Improves (the measure goes down)			20 people
	Fibrinogen	Improves (the measure goes up)			15 people
	Glycemic Control	Improves (the measure goes up)			84 people
	Heart Rate	Improves (the measure goes down)			49 people
	IL-1Ra	Improves (the measure goes down)			15 people
	Insulin	Changes; see studies			35 people
	Interleukin 1-alpha	Improves (the measure goes up)			15 people
	Interleukin 1-beta	Improves (the measure goes down)			15 people
	Interleukin 6	Improves (the measure goes down)			35 people
	Kidney Function	Improves (the measure goes up)			15 people
	LDL Oxidation	Improves (the measure goes down)			20 people
	Liver Enzymes	Changes; see studies			15 people
	Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)			84 people
	Muscle Mass	Improves (the measure goes up)			20 people
	TNF-Alpha	Improves (the measure goes down)			35 people
	Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)			84 people
	Weight	Improves (the measure goes down)			84 people

Inulin

C-Reactive Protein (CRP): improves
Ghrelin: improves

Inulin: outcomes studied for Obesity
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
	C-Reactive Protein (CRP) Small Decrease	Improves (the measure goes down)	Small effect	1 study	211 people
Studies that measured c-reactive protein (crp) Prebiotics may reduce serum concentrations of C-reactive protein and ghrelin in overweight and obese adults: a systematic review and meta-analysisNutr Rev · PMID 31504857
	Ghrelin	Improves (the measure goes up)			109 people

5-HTP

Appetite: improves
Weight: improves

5-HTP: outcomes studied for Obesity
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
	Appetite Moderate decrease in appetite	Improves (the measure goes down)	Moderate effect	1 study	39 people
Studies that measured appetite Effects of oral 5-hydroxy-tryptophan on energy intake and macronutrient selection in non-insulin dependent diabetic patientsInt J Obes Relat Metab Disord · PMID 9705024
	Weight Weight loss secondary to reduced appetite	Improves (the measure goes down)	Small effect	2 studies	39 people
Studies that measured weight The effects of oral 5-hydroxytryptophan administration on feeding behavior in obese adult female subjectsJ Neural Transm · PMID 2468734 Eating behavior and adherence to dietary prescriptions in obese adult subjects treated with 5-hydroxytryptophanAm J Clin Nutr · PMID 1384305

Whey Protein

Blood glucose
Weight: improves
Body Fat: improves

Whey Protein: outcomes studied for Obesity
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Studies	People
	Blood glucose Mixed effect		1 study	2,344 people
Studies that measured blood glucose Effects of a whey protein supplementation on intrahepatocellular lipids in obese female patientsClin Nutr · PMID 21288612
	Weight	Improves (the measure goes down)	4 studies	2,060 people
Studies that measured weight Effect of whey protein supplementation on weight and body composition indicators: A meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.Clin Nutr ESPEN · PMID 35871954 Changes in antioxidant status and cardiovascular risk factors of overweight young men after six weeks supplementation of whey protein isolate and resistance trainingAppetite · PMID 22889987 Efficacy and Safety of Whey Protein Supplements on Vital Sign and Physical Performance Among Athletes: A Network Meta-Analysis.Front Pharmacol · PMID 31068804 and 1 more on the Whey Protein page
	Body Fat	Improves (the measure goes down)	2 studies	1,902 people
Studies that measured body fat The effects of a higher protein intake during energy restriction on changes in body composition and physical function in older womenJ Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci · PMID 21798863 Effect of Whey Protein Supplementation in Postmenopausal Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.Nutrients · PMID 36235862
	High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)	2 studies	2,344 people
Studies that measured high-density lipoprotein (hdl) Effects of whey protein on glycemic control and serum lipoproteins in patients with metabolic syndrome and related conditions: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials.Lipids Health Dis · PMID 32958070 The effect of whey protein on the components of metabolic syndrome in overweight and obese individuals; a systematic review and meta-analysis.Diabetes Metab Syndr · PMID 31790966
	Blood Pressure	Improves (the measure goes down)	1 study	2,344 people
Studies that measured blood pressure The effects of whey protein on blood pressure: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis · PMID 37419751
	Body Mass Index (BMI)	Improves (the measure goes down)		1,902 people
	Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)		2,344 people
	Waist circumference	Improves (the measure goes down)		2,344 people

Black Seed Oil

Body Weight and BMI: improves

Black Seed Oil: outcomes studied for Obesity
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People	Studies list
	Body Weight and BMI GRADE meta-analysis: Significantly improves BMI. 6-12 weeks supplementation lowers bodyweight and anthropometric indices.	Improves (the measure goes down)	Small effect		600 people

Alpha-Linolenic Acid (ALA)

Blood Pressure
Triglycerides: changes; see studies
TNF-Alpha: changes; see studies

Alpha-Linolenic Acid (ALA): outcomes studied for Obesity
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Studies	People
	Blood Pressure Mixed effect on blood pressure			689 people
	Triglycerides	Changes; see studies	3 studies	505 people
Studies that measured triglycerides Omega-3 fatty acids for the primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular diseaseCochrane Database Syst Rev · PMID 32114706 Effects of α-linolenic acid intake on blood lipid profiles：a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trialsCrit Rev Food Sci Nutr · PMID 32643951 Metabolic and endocrine effects of long-chain versus essential omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in polycystic ovary syndromeMetabolism · PMID 21640360
	TNF-Alpha	Changes; see studies	2 studies	357 people
Studies that measured tnf-alpha Effect of dietary alpha-linolenic acid on blood inflammatory markers: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Eur J Nutr · PMID 28275869 Effect of Alpha-Linolenic Acid Supplementation on Cardiovascular Disease Risk Profile in Individuals with Obesity or Overweight: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.Adv Nutr · PMID 37778442
	C-Reactive Protein (CRP)	Changes; see studies		241 people
	High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)		503 people
	Interleukin 6	Changes; see studies		303 people
	Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Changes; see studies		503 people
	Total cholesterol	Changes; see studies		544 people

Beta-Alanine

Beta-cell function: worsens
Blood glucose: changes; see studies
HbA1c: changes; see studies

Beta-Alanine: outcomes studied for Obesity
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
	Beta-cell function Small Decrease	Worsens (the measure goes down)	Small effect		82 people
	Blood glucose	Changes; see studies		1 study	172 people
Studies that measured blood glucose Effect of Carnosine or β-Alanine Supplementation on Markers of Glycemic Control and Insulin Resistance in Humans and Animals: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysisAdv Nutr · PMID 34333586
	HbA1c	Changes; see studies			134 people
	Insulin	Changes; see studies			82 people
	Insulin Resistance	Changes; see studies			82 people

Green Tea Extract

Blood Pressure: improves
Adiponectin: improves
Weight: improves

Green Tea Extract: outcomes studied for Obesity
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
	Blood Pressure Small Improvement	Improves (the measure goes down)	Small effect	6 studies	88 people
Studies that measured blood pressure Effects of dietary supplementation with the green tea polyphenol epigallocatechin-3-gallate on insulin resistance and associated metabolic risk factors: randomized controlled trialBr J Nutr · PMID 18710606 Effect of green tea supplementation on blood pressure in adults: a GRADE-assessed systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.Blood Press · PMID 40497293 Effect of green tea supplementation on blood pressure among overweight and obese adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis.J Hypertens · PMID 25479028 and 3 more on the Green Tea Extract page
	Adiponectin Small Increase	Improves (the measure goes up)	Small effect		78 people
	Weight	Improves (the measure goes down)		6 studies	1,562 people
Studies that measured weight Green tea for weight loss and weight maintenance in overweight or obese adultsCochrane Database Syst Rev · PMID 23235664 Effect of green tea extract on obese women: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trialClin Nutr · PMID 18468736 Green tea supplementation affects body weight, lipids, and lipid peroxidation in obese subjects with metabolic syndromeJ Am Coll Nutr · PMID 20595643 and 3 more on the Green Tea Extract page
	Fat Oxidation	Improves (the measure goes up)		5 studies	16 people
Studies that measured fat oxidation Epigallocatechin-3-gallate and postprandial fat oxidation in overweight/obese male volunteers: a pilot studyEur J Clin Nutr · PMID 20372175 The effects of epigallocatechin-3-gallate on thermogenesis and fat oxidation in obese men: a pilot studyJ Am Coll Nutr · PMID 17906192 Effect of endurance training supplemented with green tea extract on substrate metabolism during exercise in humansScand J Med Sci Sports · PMID 20459475 and 2 more on the Green Tea Extract page
	Body Fat	Improves (the measure goes down)		2 studies	3,802 people
Studies that measured body fat Green tea catechin consumption enhances exercise-induced abdominal fat loss in overweight and obese adultsJ Nutr · PMID 19074207 Effects of catechin enriched green tea on body compositionObesity · PMID 19680234
	High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	78 people
	Leptin	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	927 people
	Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	119 people
	Metabolic Rate	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	10 people
	Body Mass Index (BMI)	Improves (the measure goes down)			3,802 people
	Ghrelin	Improves (the measure goes up)			927 people
	Glycemic Control	Improves (the measure goes up)			88 people
	Oxidative Stress Biomarkers	Improves (the measure goes down)			35 people
	Thermic effect of food (TEF)	Improves (the measure goes up)			10 people
	Waist circumference	Improves (the measure goes down)			3,802 people

Sodium Bicarbonate

Blood Acidity: improves
Serum Bicarbonate: improves
Ketone Bodies: improves

Sodium Bicarbonate: outcomes studied for Obesity
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
	Blood Acidity Moderate Decrease	Improves (the measure goes down)	Moderate effect	4 studies	10 people
Studies that measured blood acidity Acidosis stimulates beta-endorphin release during exerciseJ Appl Physiol · PMID 7836218 Time course of blood bicarbonate and pH three hours after sodium bicarbonate ingestionInt J Sports Physiol Perform · PMID 19208932 Effects of sodium bicarbonate on nitrogen metabolism and ketone bodies during very low energy protein diets in obese subjectsMetabolism · PMID 2556622 and 1 more on the Sodium Bicarbonate page
	Serum Bicarbonate	Improves (the measure goes up)		26 studies	10 people
Studies that measured serum bicarbonate Effects of various sodium bicarbonate loading protocols on the time-dependent extracellular buffering profileJ Strength Cond Res · PMID 20040895 Acid-base balance during repeated bouts of exercise: influence of HCO3Int J Sports Med · PMID 6094373 Effects of sodium bicarbonate ingestion on prolonged intermittent exerciseMed Sci Sports Exerc · PMID 12900682 and 23 more on the Sodium Bicarbonate page
	Ketone Bodies	Improves (the measure goes up)			10 people
	Weight	Improves (the measure goes down)			10 people

Flaxseed

Blood glucose: improves
Adiponectin
C-Reactive Protein (CRP): improves

Flaxseed: outcomes studied for Obesity
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
	Blood glucose Small Improvement	Improves (the measure goes down)	Small effect	3 studies	309 people
Studies that measured blood glucose Flaxseed supplementation on glucose control and insulin sensitivity: a systematic review and meta-analysis of 25 randomized, placebo-controlled trials.Nutr Rev · PMID 29228348 Flaxseed supplementation significantly reduces hemoglobin A1c in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A systematic review and meta-analysis.Nutr Res · PMID 36640581 Effect of flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum) supplementation on glycemic control and insulin resistance in prediabetes and type 2 diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Complement Ther Med · PMID 35843472
	Adiponectin No effect		NoneNo effect		284 people
	C-Reactive Protein (CRP)	Improves (the measure goes down)		4 studies	309 people
Studies that measured c-reactive protein (crp) Effects of Flaxseed Interventions on Circulating Inflammatory Biomarkers: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.Adv Nutr · PMID 31115436 Effect of flaxseed supplementation on markers of inflammation and endothelial function: A systematic review and meta-analysis.Cytokine · PMID 31739218 Effects of flaxseed supplementation on weight loss, lipid profiles, glucose, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein in patients with coronary artery disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Clin Cardiol · PMID 38269632 and 1 more on the Flaxseed page
	Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)		3 studies	309 people
Studies that measured triglycerides Meta-analysis of the effects of flaxseed interventions on blood lipidsAm J Clin Nutr · PMID 19515737 Effects of Flaxseed on Blood Lipids in Healthy and Dyslipidemic Subjects: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.Curr Probl Cardiol · PMID 34384619 Effect of flaxseed supplementation on lipid profile: An updated systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of sixty-two randomized controlled trials.Pharmacol Res · PMID 31899314
	Leptin	Improves (the measure goes up)		2 studies	284 people
Studies that measured leptin Can flaxseed supplementation affect circulating adipokines in adults? An updated systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Front Nutr · PMID 37743909 The effect of flaxseed supplementation on circulating adiponectin and leptin concentration in adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Phytother Res · PMID 32050052
	Weight	Improves (the measure goes down)		2 studies	2,867 people
	Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC)	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	429 people
	Body Mass Index (BMI)	Improves (the measure goes down)			2,867 people
	Glutathione (GSH)	Improves (the measure goes up)			429 people
	High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)			309 people
	Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)			309 people
	Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)			309 people
	Waist circumference	Improves (the measure goes down)			2,867 people

Vitamin C

Blood glucose: improves
Triglycerides: improves
Total cholesterol: improves

Vitamin C: outcomes studied for Obesity
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Blood glucose Small Improvement	Improves (the measure goes down)	Small effect	3 studies	72 people
Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)		5 studies	72 people
Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)		2 studies	72 people
C-Reactive Protein (CRP)	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	72 people
Heart Rate	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	20 people
Weight	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	20 people
Fat Oxidation	Improves (the measure goes up)			20 people
Fatigue Symptoms	Improves (the measure goes down)			20 people
Interleukin 6	Improves (the measure goes down)			72 people

Panax Ginseng (Korean Ginseng)

Blood glucose: improves
Glycemic Control: improves

Panax Ginseng (Korean Ginseng): outcomes studied for Obesity
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People	Studies list
	Blood glucose Small Improvement	Improves (the measure goes down)	Small effect	3 studies	15 people
	Glycemic Control	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	15 people

Coenzyme Q10

Blood Flow: improves
Oxidative Stress Biomarkers: improves
Fatigue Symptoms: improves

Coenzyme Q10: outcomes studied for Obesity
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Blood Flow Small Increase	Improves (the measure goes up)	Small effect	2 studies	51 people
Oxidative Stress Biomarkers	Improves (the measure goes down)		9 studies	51 people
Fatigue Symptoms	Improves (the measure goes down)		3 studies	51 people
C-Reactive Protein (CRP)	Improves (the measure goes down)		2 studies	51 people
Inflammation	Improves (the measure goes down)		2 studies	51 people
Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)		2 studies	51 people
Vascular Function	Improves (the measure goes up)		2 studies	51 people
Quality of Life	Improves (the measure goes up)			51 people

Fenugreek

Appetite
Insulin: changes; see studies

Fenugreek: outcomes studied for Obesity
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People	Studies list
	Appetite Mixed effect			2 studies	18 people
	Insulin	Changes; see studies		1 study	18 people

Inositol

Blood glucose: improves
Weight: improves
Glycemic Control: improves

Inositol: outcomes studied for Obesity
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Blood glucose Small Improvement	Improves (the measure goes down)	Small effect	2 studies	42 people
Weight	Improves (the measure goes down)		6 studies	42 people
Glycemic Control	Improves (the measure goes up)		4 studies	42 people
Insulin	Changes; see studies		1 study	84 people

Ephedrine

Appetite: improves
Weight: improves
Metabolic Rate: improves

Ephedrine: outcomes studied for Obesity
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Appetite Small Decrease	Improves (the measure goes down)	Small effect	1 study	43 people
Weight	Improves (the measure goes down)		9 studies	410 people
Metabolic Rate	Improves (the measure goes up)		5 studies	49 people
Heart Rate	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	163 people
Blood Pressure Small Detriment	Worsens (the measure goes up)	Small effect		275 people
Skeletal Muscle Atrophy	Changes; see studies			10 people

Niacin (Vitamin B3)

Adiponectin: improves
Apolipoprotein B: improves
Insulin: changes; see studies

Niacin (Vitamin B3): outcomes studied for Obesity
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Adiponectin Moderate Increase	Improves (the measure goes up)	Moderate effect	1 study	9 people
Apolipoprotein B	Improves (the measure goes down)		3 studies	27 people
Insulin	Changes; see studies		2 studies	36 people
Blood glucose	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	36 people
Body Fat	Improves (the measure goes down)			27 people
Glycemic Control	Improves (the measure goes up)			36 people
Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)			27 people
vLDL-C	Improves (the measure goes down)			27 people
Weight	Improves (the measure goes down)			27 people

Citrulline

Asthma Symptoms: improves
Blood Pressure: improves
Blood Flow: improves

Citrulline: outcomes studied for Obesity
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Asthma Symptoms Small Improvement	Improves (the measure goes down)	Small effect	1 study	44 people
Blood Pressure	Improves (the measure goes down)		7 studies	48 people
Blood Flow	Improves (the measure goes up)		2 studies	25 people
Heart Rate Variability	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	23 people
Lung Function	Improves (the measure goes up)			44 people

Curcumin

Adiponectin: improves
Blood glucose: improves
Depression Symptoms: improves

Curcumin: outcomes studied for Obesity
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Adiponectin Small Increase	Improves (the measure goes up)	Small effect	1 study	22 people
Blood glucose	Improves (the measure goes down)		18 studies	170 people
Depression Symptoms	Improves (the measure goes down)		9 studies	35 people
Oxidative Stress Biomarkers	Improves (the measure goes down)		6 studies	64 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)		5 studies	106 people
Weight	Improves (the measure goes down)		5 studies	148 people
Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)		4 studies	84 people
Liver Enzymes	Changes; see studies		3 studies	84 people
Blood Pressure	Improves (the measure goes down)		2 studies	170 people
Insulin	Changes; see studies		2 studies	106 people
Arterial Stiffness	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	64 people
Interleukin 6	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	148 people
Vascular Function	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	22 people
Body Fat	Improves (the measure goes down)			148 people
C-Reactive Protein (CRP)	Improves (the measure goes down)			148 people
Glycemic Control	Improves (the measure goes up)			84 people
HbA1c	Improves (the measure goes down)			84 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)			22 people
Homocysteine	Improves (the measure goes down)			22 people
Interleukin 10	Improves (the measure goes up)			64 people
Interleukin 8	Changes; see studies			64 people
LDL Oxidation	Improves (the measure goes down)			64 people
Leptin	Improves (the measure goes up)			22 people
TNF-Alpha	Improves (the measure goes down)			148 people
Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC)	Improves (the measure goes up)			22 people

Krill Oil

2-Arachidonoylglycerol Acid: improves
Blood glucose: improves
Insulin: changes; see studies

Krill Oil: outcomes studied for Obesity
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
2-Arachidonoylglycerol Acid Small Decrease	Improves (the measure goes down)	Small effect	1 study	63 people
Blood glucose	Improves (the measure goes down)			63 people
Insulin	Changes; see studies			63 people
Weight	Improves (the measure goes down)			63 people

Dihydroberberine

Body Mass Index: improves

Dihydroberberine: outcomes studied for Obesity
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People	Studies list
	Body Mass Index Small Decrease - 0.44 kg/m² reduction	Improves (the measure goes down)	Small effect		350 people

Chlorogenic Acid

Blood glucose: improves
Insulin: changes; see studies

Chlorogenic Acid: outcomes studied for Obesity
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People	Studies list
	Blood glucose Small Improvement	Improves (the measure goes down)	Small effect		15 people
	Insulin	Changes; see studies		1 study	15 people

Chitosan

Body Weight: improves

Chitosan: outcomes studied for Obesity
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People	Studies list
	Body Weight Meta-analyses: Weight loss of 1.7-2kg more than placebo over 4-24 weeks. Effect is statistically significant but clinically modest.	Improves (the measure goes down)	Small effect		1,200 people

Yacon

Glycemic Control: improves
Blood glucose
Total cholesterol: improves

Yacon: outcomes studied for Obesity
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Glycemic Control Small Improvement	Improves (the measure goes up)	Small effect		35 people
Blood glucose No effect		NoneNo effect		35 people
Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	35 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)			35 people
Insulin	Changes; see studies			35 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)			35 people
Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)			35 people
Weight	Improves (the measure goes down)			35 people

Spirulina

Anti-Oxidant Enzyme Profile: improves
Aerobic Exercise Metrics
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL): improves

Spirulina: outcomes studied for Obesity
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Anti-Oxidant Enzyme Profile Small Increase	Improves (the measure goes up)	Small effect		64 people
Aerobic Exercise Metrics No effect		NoneNo effect	1 study	52 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)		5 studies	510 people
Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)		5 studies	510 people
Interleukin 6	Improves (the measure goes down)		3 studies	50 people
Body Fat	Improves (the measure goes down)		2 studies	109 people
HbA1c	Improves (the measure goes down)		2 studies	510 people
Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC)	Improves (the measure goes up)		2 studies	259 people
Appetite	Changes; see studies		1 study	128 people
Blood glucose	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	510 people
Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	510 people
Weight	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	250 people
Heart Rate	Improves (the measure goes down)			52 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)			510 people
Insulin	Changes; see studies			510 people
Insulin Resistance	Improves (the measure goes down)			50 people
Macrophage Inhibitory Cytokine 1	Improves (the measure goes up)			64 people
Nesfatin-1	Improves (the measure goes up)			20 people
Omentin-1	Improves (the measure goes up)			20 people
Oxygen Uptake	Improves (the measure goes up)			52 people
Superoxide Dismutase Activity	Improves (the measure goes up)			184 people
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor	Improves (the measure goes up)			64 people
vLDL-C	Improves (the measure goes down)			510 people
Waist circumference	Improves (the measure goes down)			128 people
Waist-Hip Ratio	Improves (the measure goes up)			52 people

African Mango

Adiponectin: improves
Blood glucose: improves
Total cholesterol: changes; see studies

African Mango: outcomes studied for Obesity
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Adiponectin Small increase in adiponectin	Improves (the measure goes up)	Small effect		102 people
Blood glucose Small improvement in blood glucose	Improves (the measure goes down)	Small effect		40 people
Total cholesterol	Changes; see studies		2 studies	142 people
Blood Pressure	Changes; see studies			40 people
Body Fat	Changes; see studies			102 people
C-Reactive Protein (CRP)	Changes; see studies			102 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)			142 people
Leptin	Improves (the measure goes up)			102 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Changes; see studies			142 people
Triglycerides	Changes; see studies			40 people
Weight	Changes; see studies			142 people

Arginine

Adiponectin: improves
Nitric Oxide: improves
Vascular Function: improves

Arginine: outcomes studied for Obesity
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Adiponectin Small Increase	Improves (the measure goes up)	Small effect		33 people
Nitric Oxide	Improves (the measure goes up)		4 studies	33 people
Vascular Function	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	33 people
Anti-Oxidant Enzyme Profile	Improves (the measure goes up)			33 people
Endothelin-1	Improves (the measure goes up)			33 people

L-Carnitine

Adiponectin: improves
High-density lipoprotein (HDL): improves
Total cholesterol: improves

L-Carnitine: outcomes studied for Obesity
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Adiponectin Small Increase	Improves (the measure goes up)	Small effect		258 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)		12 studies	258 people
Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)		6 studies	258 people
Blood glucose	Improves (the measure goes down)		5 studies	274 people
Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)		4 studies	258 people
Insulin	Changes; see studies		3 studies	258 people
TNF-Alpha	Improves (the measure goes down)		2 studies	258 people
Body Fat	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	36 people
C-Reactive Protein (CRP)	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	258 people
HbA1c	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	258 people
Weight	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	258 people
Glycemic Control	Improves (the measure goes up)			258 people
Leptin	Improves (the measure goes up)			258 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)			258 people
Metabolic Rate	Improves (the measure goes up)			36 people

Medium-chain Triglycerides

Body Fat: improves
Ketone Bodies: improves
Skeletal Muscle Atrophy: changes; see studies

Medium-chain Triglycerides: outcomes studied for Obesity
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Body Fat Small Decrease	Improves (the measure goes down)	Small effect		66 people
Ketone Bodies	Improves (the measure goes up)		3 studies	66 people
Skeletal Muscle Atrophy	Changes; see studies		1 study	66 people

Cissus Quadrangularis

Creatinine: improves
Oxidative Stress Biomarkers: improves
Weight: improves

Cissus Quadrangularis: outcomes studied for Obesity
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Creatinine Small Increase	Improves (the measure goes up)	Small effect		153 people
Oxidative Stress Biomarkers Small Decrease	Improves (the measure goes down)	Small effect		153 people
Weight	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	153 people
Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)			153 people
Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)			153 people

Akkermansia muciniphila

Body Weight: improves

Akkermansia muciniphila: outcomes studied for Obesity
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People	Studies list
	Body Weight Significant reduction in body weight and fat mass (responders only)	Improves (the measure goes down)	Small effect		58 people

Alpha-Lipoic Acid

Blood Pressure
Oxidative Stress Biomarkers: changes; see studies
Weight: changes; see studies

Alpha-Lipoic Acid: outcomes studied for Obesity
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Blood Pressure No effect on blood pressure		NoneNo effect	3 studies	1,127 people
Oxidative Stress Biomarkers	Changes; see studies		4 studies	24 people
Weight	Changes; see studies		2 studies	1,511 people
Glycemic Control	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	24 people
LDL Oxidation	Changes; see studies		1 study	24 people

Vanadium

Glycemic Control
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL): improves

Vanadium: outcomes studied for Obesity
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Glycemic Control No effect		NoneNo effect	2 studies	44 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL) No effect		NoneNo effect		14 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)			14 people
Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)			14 people
Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)			14 people

Fish Oil

Blood Flow
Triglycerides: improves
High-density lipoprotein (HDL): improves

Fish Oil: outcomes studied for Obesity
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Blood Flow No effect		NoneNo effect	1 study	25 people
Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)		24 studies	25 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)		7 studies	25 people
Weight	Improves (the measure goes down)		7 studies	369 people
Inflammation	Improves (the measure goes down)		4 studies	25 people
Blood Pressure	Improves (the measure goes down)		2 studies	324 people
TNF-Alpha	Improves (the measure goes down)		2 studies	25 people
Vascular Function	Improves (the measure goes up)		2 studies	25 people
Offspring BMI	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	63 people
Ketone Bodies	Improves (the measure goes up)			20 people
Lymphocyte Count	Improves (the measure goes up)			25 people

Ashwagandha

Condition-Related Fatigue
Testosterone: improves
Cortisol: improves

Ashwagandha: outcomes studied for Obesity
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Condition-Related Fatigue No effect		NoneNo effect	1 study	57 people
Testosterone	Improves (the measure goes up)		5 studies	57 people
Cortisol	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	57 people
Estrogen	Changes; see studies			57 people
Serum DHEA	Improves (the measure goes up)			57 people
Fatigue Symptoms	Changes; see studies			57 people

Taurine

Body Mass Index (BMI)
HbA1c: improves
Insulin Resistance: improves

Taurine: outcomes studied for Obesity
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Body Mass Index (BMI) No effect		NoneNo effect	1 study	349 people
HbA1c	Improves (the measure goes down)			330 people
Insulin Resistance	Improves (the measure goes down)			285 people
Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)			318 people
Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)			318 people

Chia seeds

Blood glucose
Blood Pressure: improves
C-Reactive Protein (CRP): improves

Chia seeds: outcomes studied for Obesity
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Blood glucose No effect		NoneNo effect	1 study	308 people
Blood Pressure	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	308 people
C-Reactive Protein (CRP)	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	210 people
Body Fat	Improves (the measure goes down)			308 people
Body Mass Index (BMI)	Improves (the measure goes down)			308 people
HbA1c	Improves (the measure goes down)			308 people
Interleukin 6	Improves (the measure goes down)			210 people
TNF-Alpha	Improves (the measure goes down)			210 people
Waist circumference	Improves (the measure goes down)			308 people
Weight	Improves (the measure goes down)			308 people

Chlorella

Blood glucose
High-density lipoprotein (HDL): improves
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL): improves

Chlorella: outcomes studied for Obesity
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Blood glucose No effect		NoneNo effect	1 study	255 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)			255 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)			255 people
Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)			255 people
Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)			255 people

7-Keto DHEA

Metabolic Rate: improves
Body Fat: improves
Blood Glucose

7-Keto DHEA: outcomes studied for Obesity
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Metabolic Rate Possible increase in resting metabolic rate - manufacturer funded	Improves (the measure goes up)	Small effect	1 study	40 people
Body Fat Possible fat loss but study has conflict of interest	Improves (the measure goes down)	Small effect		23 people
Blood Glucose No effect on blood glucose		NoneNo effect		23 people
Blood Pressure No effect on blood pressure		NoneNo effect		23 people
Testosterone No effect on testosterone levels (expected - non-hormonal)		NoneNo effect		23 people
Estrogen No effect on estrogen levels (expected - non-hormonal)		NoneNo effect		23 people
Blood glucose No effect		NoneNo effect		23 people
Fatigue Symptoms	Changes; see studies			23 people
Parathyroid Hormone	Improves (the measure goes up)			23 people
Serum T3	Improves (the measure goes up)			23 people
Serum T4	Improves (the measure goes up)			23 people
Weight	Changes; see studies			23 people

Pyruvate

Body Fat
Weight: improves

Pyruvate: outcomes studied for Obesity
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People	Studies list
	Body Fat No effect		NoneNo effect	1 study	13 people
	Weight	Improves (the measure goes down)		5 studies	13 people

Psyllium

Thermic effect of food (TEF)
Weight: improves

Psyllium: outcomes studied for Obesity
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People	Studies list
	Thermic effect of food (TEF) No effect		NoneNo effect	1 study	10 people
	Weight	Improves (the measure goes down)		3 studies	231 people

ECA

Blood glucose
Blood Pressure
Metabolic Rate: improves

ECA: outcomes studied for Obesity
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Blood glucose No effect		NoneNo effect		24 people
Blood Pressure No effect		NoneNo effect		24 people
Metabolic Rate	Improves (the measure goes up)		2 studies	20 people
Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	24 people
Heart Rate	Improves (the measure goes down)			24 people
Insulin	Changes; see studies			24 people
Weight	Improves (the measure goes down)			24 people

Green Coffee Extract

Body Mass Index (BMI)
Weight: improves
Waist circumference: improves

Green Coffee Extract: outcomes studied for Obesity
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Body Mass Index (BMI) No effect		NoneNo effect		1,721 people
Weight	Improves (the measure goes down)		2 studies	1,989 people
Waist circumference	Improves (the measure goes down)			2,117 people

Black seed

Adiponectin
Total cholesterol: changes; see studies
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL): changes; see studies

Black seed: outcomes studied for Obesity
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Adiponectin No effect		NoneNo effect		39 people
Total cholesterol	Changes; see studies		4 studies	39 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Changes; see studies		2 studies	39 people
Blood Pressure	Changes; see studies		1 study	39 people
C-Reactive Protein (CRP)	Changes; see studies		1 study	39 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	39 people
Appetite	Changes; see studies			39 people
Free Testosterone	Improves (the measure goes up)			39 people
Liver Enzymes	Changes; see studies			39 people
Triglycerides	Changes; see studies			39 people
Uric Acid	Changes; see studies			39 people
Weight	Changes; see studies			39 people

Rose Hip

Blood glucose
Body Fat: improves
Blood Pressure: improves

Rose Hip: outcomes studied for Obesity
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Blood glucose No effect		NoneNo effect		32 people
Body Fat	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	32 people
Blood Pressure	Improves (the measure goes down)			32 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)			32 people
Liver Enzymes	Changes; see studies			32 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)			32 people
Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)			32 people
Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)			32 people
Weight	Improves (the measure goes down)			32 people

Probiotics

Body Mass Index (BMI)
Depression Symptoms: improves
Weight: improves

Probiotics: outcomes studied for Obesity
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Body Mass Index (BMI) No effect		NoneNo effect		244 people
Depression Symptoms	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	488 people
Weight	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	422 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)			412 people
Visceral Fat	Improves (the measure goes down)			231 people
Waist circumference	Improves (the measure goes down)			297 people

Coleus forskohlii

Appetite
Blood glucose
Weight: improves

Coleus forskohlii: outcomes studied for Obesity
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Appetite No effect		NoneNo effect		30 people
Blood glucose No effect		NoneNo effect		30 people
Weight	Improves (the measure goes down)		3 studies	34 people
Blood Pressure	Improves (the measure goes down)			30 people
Heart Rate	Improves (the measure goes down)			30 people
Hip Circumference	Improves (the measure goes down)			30 people
Insulin	Changes; see studies			30 people
Insulin Resistance	Improves (the measure goes down)			30 people
Waist circumference	Improves (the measure goes down)			30 people
Waist-Hip Ratio	Improves (the measure goes up)			30 people

Chromium

Bilirubin
Weight: improves
Glycemic Control: improves

Chromium: outcomes studied for Obesity
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Bilirubin No effect		NoneNo effect		58 people
Weight	Improves (the measure goes down)		12 studies	392 people
Glycemic Control	Improves (the measure goes up)		9 studies	5 people
Blood glucose	Improves (the measure goes down)		6 studies	69 people
HbA1c	Improves (the measure goes down)		4 studies	46 people
Follicle-Stimulating Hormone	Improves (the measure goes up)		3 studies	5 people
Blood Pressure	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	104 people
C-Reactive Protein (CRP)	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	58 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	115 people
Insulin	Changes; see studies		1 study	63 people
Kidney Function	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	58 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	104 people
Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	115 people
Body Fat	Improves (the measure goes down)			58 people
Cell Adhesion Factors	Improves (the measure goes down)			58 people
DNA Damage	Changes; see studies			11 people
Free Testosterone	Improves (the measure goes up)			5 people
Liver Enzymes	Changes; see studies			58 people
Luteinizing Hormone	Improves (the measure goes up)			5 people
Serum DHEA	Improves (the measure goes up)			5 people
Sex Hormone Binding Globulin	Improves (the measure goes up)			5 people
Testosterone	Improves (the measure goes up)			5 people
Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)			104 people

Vitamin D

Arterial Stiffness
Glycemic Control: improves
Insulin: changes; see studies

Vitamin D: outcomes studied for Obesity
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Arterial Stiffness No effect		NoneNo effect		225 people
Glycemic Control	Improves (the measure goes up)		4 studies	112 people
Insulin	Changes; see studies		3 studies	1 person
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)		3 studies	70 people
Blood glucose	Improves (the measure goes down)		2 studies	1 person
Blood Pressure	Improves (the measure goes down)		2 studies	225 people
Inflammation	Improves (the measure goes down)		2 studies	225 people
Weight	Improves (the measure goes down)		2 studies	307 people
HbA1c	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	1 person
Insulin Resistance	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	1 person
Muscle Mass	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	100 people
Parathyroid Hormone	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	100 people
Type 2 Diabetes Incidence	Changes; see studies		1 study	27,425 people
Body Fat	Improves (the measure goes down)			184 people
Body Mass Index (BMI)	Improves (the measure goes down)			337 people
Food Intake	Changes; see studies			77 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)			70 people
Pulse Wave Velocity	Improves (the measure goes down)			225 people
Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)			1 person
Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)			93 people
Vascular Function	Improves (the measure goes up)			225 people
Waist circumference	Improves (the measure goes down)			290 people

Conjugated Linoleic Acid

Adiponectin
Body Fat: improves
High-density lipoprotein (HDL): improves

Conjugated Linoleic Acid: outcomes studied for Obesity
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Adiponectin No effect		NoneNo effect		142 people
Body Fat	Improves (the measure goes down)		7 studies	352 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)		6 studies	479 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)		6 studies	429 people
Weight	Improves (the measure goes down)		6 studies	707 people
Muscle Mass	Improves (the measure goes up)		5 studies	289 people
Glycemic Control	Improves (the measure goes up)		4 studies	108 people
Blood Pressure	Improves (the measure goes down)		2 studies	80 people
Liver Enzymes	Changes; see studies		2 studies	50 people
C-Reactive Protein (CRP)	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	449 people
DNA Damage	Changes; see studies		1 study	29 people
HbA1c	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	83 people
Blood Flow	Improves (the measure goes up)			401 people
Heart Rate	Improves (the measure goes down)			80 people
Leptin	Improves (the measure goes up)			83 people
Oxygen Uptake	Improves (the measure goes up)			28 people
Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC)	Improves (the measure goes up)			29 people
Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)			28 people
Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)			78 people

Licorice

Adiponectin
Body Fat: improves
Glycemic Control: improves

Licorice: outcomes studied for Obesity
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Adiponectin No effect		NoneNo effect		44 people
Body Fat	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	44 people
Glycemic Control	Improves (the measure goes up)			44 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)			44 people
Insulin	Changes; see studies			44 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)			44 people
Muscle Mass	Improves (the measure goes up)			44 people
Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)			44 people
Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)			44 people
Weight	Improves (the measure goes down)			44 people

Lutein

Apolipoprotein B
Blood Pressure
Total cholesterol: improves

Lutein: outcomes studied for Obesity
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Apolipoprotein B No effect		NoneNo effect		117 people
Blood Pressure No effect		NoneNo effect		117 people
Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	117 people
Endogenous Advanced Glycation End Products	Improves (the measure goes up)			117 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)			117 people
Oxidative Stress Biomarkers	Improves (the measure goes down)			117 people

Betaine

Blood glucose
Homocysteine: changes; see studies
Total cholesterol: changes; see studies

Betaine: outcomes studied for Obesity
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Blood glucose No effect		NoneNo effect		42 people
Homocysteine	Changes; see studies		4 studies	42 people
Total cholesterol	Changes; see studies		1 study	42 people
Weight	Changes; see studies		1 study	42 people
Blood Pressure	Changes; see studies			42 people
Body Fat	Changes; see studies			42 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)			42 people
Kidney Function	Improves (the measure goes up)			42 people
Liver Enzymes	Changes; see studies			42 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Changes; see studies			42 people
Metabolic Rate	Improves (the measure goes up)			42 people
Serum Folate	Improves (the measure goes up)			42 people
Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone	Improves (the measure goes up)			42 people
Triglycerides	Changes; see studies			42 people

Resveratrol

Bilirubin
Blood glucose: improves
C-Reactive Protein (CRP): improves

Resveratrol: outcomes studied for Obesity
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Bilirubin No effect		NoneNo effect		208 people
Blood glucose	Improves (the measure goes down)		7 studies	329 people
C-Reactive Protein (CRP)	Improves (the measure goes down)		3 studies	869 people
Weight	Improves (the measure goes down)		3 studies	1,265 people
Kidney Function	Improves (the measure goes up)		2 studies	135 people
Liver Enzymes	Changes; see studies		2 studies	714 people
Vascular Function	Improves (the measure goes up)		2 studies	1,448 people
Blood Pressure	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	1,448 people
Glycemic Control	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	11 people
Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	11 people
Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)	Improves (the measure goes up)			894 people
Body Fat	Improves (the measure goes down)			516 people
Body Mass Index (BMI)	Improves (the measure goes down)			1,418 people
HbA1c	Improves (the measure goes down)			271 people
Insulin	Changes; see studies			172 people
Insulin Resistance	Improves (the measure goes down)			191 people
Intercellular Adhesion Molecule 1	Changes; see studies			1,034 people
Interleukin 6	Improves (the measure goes down)			631 people
Metabolic Rate	Improves (the measure goes up)			11 people
Plasminogen Inhibitor-1	Improves (the measure goes up)			1,034 people
Serum Albumin	Improves (the measure goes up)			516 people
Superoxide Dismutase Activity	Improves (the measure goes up)			118 people
TNF-Alpha	Improves (the measure goes down)			483 people
Uric Acid	Improves (the measure goes down)			353 people
Waist circumference	Improves (the measure goes down)			753 people

Tart Cherry Juice

Blood glucose
Uric Acid: improves
Blood Pressure: improves

Tart Cherry Juice: outcomes studied for Obesity
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Blood glucose No effect		NoneNo effect		26 people
Uric Acid	Improves (the measure goes down)		2 studies	26 people
Blood Pressure	Improves (the measure goes down)			26 people
Body Fat	Improves (the measure goes down)			26 people
C-Reactive Protein (CRP)	Improves (the measure goes down)			26 people
Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate	Improves (the measure goes down)			26 people
Heart Rate	Improves (the measure goes down)			26 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)			26 people
Insulin	Changes; see studies			26 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)			26 people
Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1	Improves (the measure goes up)			26 people
Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)			26 people
Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)			26 people
vLDL-C	Improves (the measure goes down)			26 people

Brown Seaweed Extract

Appetite
Food Intake: changes; see studies

Brown Seaweed Extract: outcomes studied for Obesity
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People	Studies list
	Appetite No effect		NoneNo effect		79 people
	Food Intake	Changes; see studies		1 study	79 people

Fructose

Body Weight

Fructose: outcomes studied for Obesity
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People	Studies list
	Body Weight Isocaloric exchange of fructose for other carbs does not cause weight gain; hypercaloric intake does		Small effect		1,000 people

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Body Fat
Muscle Mass: improves
Body Mass Index (BMI): improves

Omega-3 Fatty Acids: outcomes studied for Obesity
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Body Fat No effect		NoneNo effect		637 people
Muscle Mass	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	637 people
Body Mass Index (BMI)	Improves (the measure goes down)			637 people
Weight	Improves (the measure goes down)			637 people

N-Acetylcysteine

Hearing Loss: improves

N-Acetylcysteine: outcomes studied for Obesity
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People	Studies list
	Hearing Loss	Improves (the measure goes up)		3 studies	278 people

Garcinia

Weight: improves

Garcinia: outcomes studied for Obesity
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People	Studies list
	Weight	Improves (the measure goes down)		2 studies	135 people

Lactase Enzyme

Glycemic Control: improves

Lactase Enzyme: outcomes studied for Obesity
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People	Studies list
	Glycemic Control	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	40 people

TUDCA

Insulin Resistance: improves

TUDCA: outcomes studied for Obesity
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People	Studies list
	Insulin Resistance	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	20 people

Yohimbine

Gastric Emptying Rate: improves

Yohimbine: outcomes studied for Obesity
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People	Studies list
	Gastric Emptying Rate	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	23 people

Prescription medicines and peptides studied, for context

These are not supplements. Most need a prescription, and some are research compounds with no approved use. They are listed so the supplement evidence above can be read against them.

5 medicines and peptides

Retatrutide (GLP-3 Triple Agonist)

Body Weight Reduction: improves
Gastrointestinal Side Effects: worsens
Dysesthesia: worsens

Retatrutide (GLP-3 Triple Agonist): outcomes studied for Obesity
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies
Body Weight Reduction Phase 2 (n=338): 24.2% mean weight loss at 48 weeks with 12mg. 100% achieved ≥5%, 93% achieved ≥10%, 83% achieved ≥15% weight loss. Phase 3 TRIUMPH-4: 28.7% weight loss at 68 weeks. Most effective weight loss drug in clinical trials to date.	Improves (the measure goes down)	Large effect	23 studies
Gastrointestinal Side Effects SAFETY CONCERN: Phase 3 TRIUMPH-4: Nausea 38-43%, diarrhea 33-35%, constipation 22-25%, vomiting 20-21%, decreased appetite 18-19%. Generally mild-moderate and manageable with dose titration. Higher dropout rates than placebo.	Worsens (the measure goes up)	Moderate effect	19 studies
Dysesthesia SAFETY CONCERN: Unusual side effect - unpleasant skin sensations in ~20% at 12mg dose. Described as mild for most patients, rarely causing discontinuation. Mechanism unclear - may relate to glucagon receptor activation.	Worsens (the measure goes down)	Small effect	18 studies

Setmelanotide (Imcivree)

Weight Loss (Bardet-Biedl Syndrome): improves
Weight Loss (POMC/PCSK1 Deficiency): improves
Weight Loss (LEPR Deficiency): improves

Setmelanotide (Imcivree): outcomes studied for Obesity
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies
Weight Loss (Bardet-Biedl Syndrome) Phase 3 trial showed significant weight reduction in BBS patients after 1 year, with mean change of -5.5% body weight at 3 months in Phase 2.	Improves (the measure goes down)	Moderate effect	16 studies
Weight Loss (POMC/PCSK1 Deficiency) 80% of participants with POMC/PCSK1 deficiency achieved at least 10% weight loss at 1 year in Phase 3 trials.	Improves (the measure goes down)	Large effect	15 studies
Weight Loss (LEPR Deficiency) 45% of participants with LEPR deficiency achieved at least 10% weight loss at 1 year in Phase 3 trials.	Improves (the measure goes down)	Large effect	15 studies
Quality of Life After 1 year of treatment, patients reported clinically meaningful improvements across multiple health-related quality of life measures.	Improves (the measure goes up)	Moderate effect	16 studies
Resting Energy Expenditure Setmelanotide has been shown to increase resting energy expenditure in both animal models and humans with obesity.	Improves (the measure goes up)	Small effect	14 studies

Semaglutide (Ozempic/Wegovy)

Body Weight Reduction: improves
Weight Loss ≥5% Achievement: changes; see studies
Weight Loss ≥10% Achievement: changes; see studies

Semaglutide (Ozempic/Wegovy): outcomes studied for Obesity
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies
Body Weight Reduction STEP 1 trial showed mean weight loss of 14.9% vs 2.4% placebo at 68 weeks. STEP 5 showed sustained 15.2% weight loss at 2 years. Meta-analysis confirms 11.8% greater weight reduction vs placebo.	Improves (the measure goes down)	Large effect	15 studies
Weight Loss ≥5% Achievement In STEP trials, 77-86% of participants achieved ≥5% weight loss with semaglutide 2.4mg vs 31-34% with placebo.	Changes; see studies	Large effect	15 studies
Weight Loss ≥10% Achievement STEP trials showed 48-70% of participants achieved ≥10% weight loss with semaglutide vs 12-20% placebo.	Changes; see studies	Large effect	15 studies
Appetite and Satiety Semaglutide reduces hunger and increases satiety through central and peripheral mechanisms, contributing to reduced caloric intake.	Improves (the measure goes up)	Moderate effect	12 studies

Liraglutide (Victoza/Saxenda)

Body Weight Reduction: improves
Weight Loss ≥5% Achievement: changes; see studies
Weight Loss ≥10% Achievement: changes; see studies

Liraglutide (Victoza/Saxenda): outcomes studied for Obesity
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies
Body Weight Reduction SCALE trial showed 8.4kg mean weight loss vs 2.8kg placebo at 56 weeks. Meta-analysis confirms 5.04kg greater weight reduction vs placebo in non-diabetic patients.	Improves (the measure goes down)	Moderate effect	13 studies
Weight Loss ≥5% Achievement SCALE trial showed 63.2% achieved ≥5% weight loss with liraglutide 3.0mg vs 27.1% placebo.	Changes; see studies	Large effect	13 studies
Weight Loss ≥10% Achievement SCALE trial showed 33.1% achieved ≥10% weight loss with liraglutide 3.0mg vs 10.6% placebo.	Changes; see studies	Large effect	13 studies

Tirzepatide (Mounjaro/Zepbound)

Body Weight Reduction: improves
Weight Loss ≥5% Achievement: changes; see studies
Weight Loss ≥20% Achievement: changes; see studies

Tirzepatide (Mounjaro/Zepbound): outcomes studied for Obesity
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies
Body Weight Reduction SURMOUNT-1 showed 15-22.5% weight loss vs 3.1% placebo at 72 weeks. SURMOUNT-4 showed 20.9% weight loss maintained with continued treatment.	Improves (the measure goes down)	Large effect	9 studies
Weight Loss ≥5% Achievement SURMOUNT-1 showed 89-91% achieved ≥5% weight loss with 10-15mg tirzepatide vs 35% placebo.	Changes; see studies	Large effect	9 studies
Weight Loss ≥20% Achievement SURMOUNT-1 showed 50-57% achieved ≥20% weight loss with 10-15mg tirzepatide, unprecedented for pharmacotherapy.	Changes; see studies	Large effect	9 studies
Obstructive Sleep Apnea Severity SURMOUNT-OSA demonstrated significant reduction in sleep apnea severity with tirzepatide in participants with obesity.	Improves (the measure goes down)	Large effect	7 studies

Key findings

Weight LossTriphala (Emblica officinalis, Terminalia chebula, Terminalia bellirica)Improves (the measure goes down)
Blood glucoseSaffronImproves (the measure goes down)
Blood FlowCocoa ExtractImproves (the measure goes up)

Safety notes in the studies

SAFETY CONCERN: Unusual side effect - unpleasant skin sensations in ~20% at 12mg dose.

The Obesity & Weight Management protocol

2 primary supplements · 4 supporting supplements

Glucomannan1 g 30 min before meals with water (3 g/day total)
Protein (Whey/Casein)25–50 g daily (1.2–1.6 g/kg body weight total protein)

See the full protocol

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Studies cited

43 studies from PubMed

Ascophyllum nodosum enriched bread reduces subsequent energy intake with no effect on post-prandial glucose and cholesterol in healthy, overweight males. A pilot studyAppetite · PMID 22100188
Dietary fat and carbohydrates differentially alter insulin sensitivity during caloric restrictionGastroenterology · PMID 19208352
Ketogenic low-carbohydrate diets have no metabolic advantage over nonketogenic low-carbohydrate dietsAm J Clin Nutr · PMID 16685046
Improvements in vascular health by a low-fat diet, but not a high-fat diet, are mediated by changes in adipocyte biologyNutr J · PMID 21251283
Glucose and Lipid Homeostasis and Inflammation in Humans Following an Isocaloric Ketogenic DietObesity · PMID 31067015
Lipolysis and gluconeogenesis from glycerol during weight reduction with very-low-calorie dietsMetabolism · PMID 7934983
Very-low-carbohydrate ketogenic diet v. low-fat diet for long-term weight loss: a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trialsBr J Nutr · PMID 23651522
A randomized trial of a low-carbohydrate diet for obesityN Engl J Med · PMID 12761365
Benefit of low-fat over low-carbohydrate diet on endothelial health in obesityHypertension · PMID 18195164
Impact of a Ketogenic Diet on Metabolic Parameters in Patients with Obesity or Overweight and with or without Type 2 Diabetes: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled TrialsNutrients · PMID 32640608
Lack of suppression of circulating free fatty acids and hypercholesterolemia during weight loss on a high-fat, low-carbohydrate dietAm J Clin Nutr · PMID 20107198
Efficacy and safety of very low calorie ketogenic diet (VLCKD) in patients with overweight and obesity: A systematic review and meta-analysis.Rev Endocr Metab Disord · PMID 31705259
Comparison of a very low-carbohydrate and low-fat diet on fasting lipids, LDL subclasses, insulin resistance, and postprandial lipemic responses in overweight womenJ Am Coll Nutr · PMID 15047685
Effect of a Ketogenic Diet on the Nutritional Parameters of Obese Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-AnalysisNutrients · PMID 34578824
Effects of weight loss from a very-low-carbohydrate diet on endothelial function and markers of cardiovascular disease risk in subjects with abdominal obesityAm J Clin Nutr · PMID 18326593
Effect of low-carbohydrate diet on depression and anxiety: A systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled trials.J Affect Disord · PMID 36584702
Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials Comparing Time-Restricted Eating With and Without Caloric Restriction for Weight LossNutr Rev · PMID 40298934
Effect of time restricted feeding on the gut microbiome in adults with obesity: A pilot studyNutr Health · PMID 32228124
Meal Timing and Anthropometric and Metabolic Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.JAMA Netw Open · PMID 39485353
Effect of 8-h time-restricted feeding on sleep quality and duration in adults with obesityAppl Physiol Nutr Metab · PMID 30802152
Safety of 8-h time restricted feeding in adults with obesityAppl Physiol Nutr Metab · PMID 30216730
Left ventricular remodelling changes without concomitant loss of myocardial fat after long-term dietary interventionInt J Cardiol · PMID 27149238
A plant-based diet in overweight individuals in a 16-week randomized clinical trial: metabolic benefits of plant proteinNutr Diabetes · PMID 30405108
A plant-based diet in overweight adults in a 16-week randomized clinical trial: The role of dietary acid loadClin Nutr ESPEN · PMID 34330460
A multicenter randomized controlled trial of a nutrition intervention program in a multiethnic adult population in the corporate setting reduces depression and anxiety and improves quality of life: the GEICO studyAm J Health Promot · PMID 24524383
Mango supplementation improves blood glucose in obese individualsNutr Metab Insights · PMID 25210462
Vinegar intake reduces body weight, body fat mass, and serum triglyceride levels in obese Japanese subjectsBiosci Biotechnol Biochem · PMID 19661687
Effect of Apple Cider Vinegar Intake on Body Composition in Humans with Type 2 Diabetes and/or Overweight: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.Nutrients · PMID 41010525
The Effects of Time-Restricted Eating on Fat Loss in Adults with Overweight and Obese Depend upon the Eating Window and Intervention Strategies: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.Nutrients · PMID 39408357
The impact of intermittent fasting on body composition and cardiometabolic outcomes in overweight and obese adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Nutr J · PMID 40731344
The effects of intermittent fasting on antioxidant and inflammatory markers and liver enzymes in postmenopausal, overweight and obese women with rheumatoid arthritis: a randomized controlled trial.Sci Rep · PMID 39825120
The effect of intermittent fasting on sleep in adults with overweight or obesity: a network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis · PMID 41076324
Effects of breaking up prolonged sitting via exercise snacks intervention on the body composition and plasma metabolomics of sedentary obese adults: a randomized controlled trial.Endocr J · PMID 39537176
The Effect of Aerobic or Resistance Exercise Combined With a Low-Calorie Diet Versus Diet Alone on Cardiometabolic Outcomes in Adults with Overweight and Obesity: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.Nutr Rev · PMID 40465460
Effect of resistance exercise on body composition, muscle strength and cardiometabolic health during dietary weight loss in people living with overweight or obesity: a systematic review and meta-analysis.BMJ Open Sport Exerc Med · PMID 40909191
Comparison of Dietary Macronutrient Patterns of 14 Popular Named Dietary Programmes for Weight and Cardiovascular Risk Factor Reduction in Adults: Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis of Randomised TrialsBMJ · PMID 32238384
Mediterranean Diet-Based Interventions to Improve Anthropometric and Obesity Indicators in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.Adv Nutr · PMID 37127186
The effect of dietary approaches to stop hypertension (DASH) diet on weight and body composition in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical trialsObes Rev · PMID 26990451
The effect of grapefruits (Citrus paradisi) on body weight and cardiovascular risk factors: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr · PMID 25880021
Important food sources of fructose-containing sugars and adiposity: A systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled feeding trials.Am J Clin Nutr · PMID 36842451
Bioactives in blueberries improve insulin sensitivity in obese, insulin-resistant men and womenJ Nutr · PMID 20724487
Optimal Frequency of Interrupting Prolonged Sitting for Cardiometabolic Health: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Crossover Trials.Scand J Med Sci Sports · PMID 39630056
Enhanced protein intake on maintaining muscle mass, strength, and physical function in adults with overweight/obesity: A systematic review and meta-analysis.Clin Nutr ESPEN · PMID 39002131