Condition
Weight Loss & Maintenance
This goal refers to people with a BMI >25 attempting to reach/maintain their ideal weight. While interventions that work for people with a BMI >25 may also work for people with a lower BMI, the context is often sufficiently different that this isn't assured.
- Supplements studied
- 59
- Graded outcomes
- 58
- Trials
- 127
- People studied
- 980,469
Evidence by supplement
- Strong
- Moderate
- Limited
- Very limited
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Appetite Small Decrease | Improves (the measure goes down) | Small effect | 3 studies | 47 people | ||
Studies that measured appetite | ||||||
| Weight | Improves (the measure goes down) | 3 studies | 465 people | |||
Studies that measured weight
| ||||||
| Body Mass Index (BMI) | Improves (the measure goes down) | 354 people | ||||
| Food Intake | Changes; see studies | 16 people | ||||
| Gastric Emptying Rate | Changes; see studies | 14 people | ||||
| Waist circumference | Improves (the measure goes down) | 354 people | ||||
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Appetite Small Increase | Worsens (the measure goes up) | Small effect | 1 study | 27 people | ||
| Food Intake | Changes; see studies | 2 studies | 17 people | |||
Studies that measured food intake | ||||||
| Ghrelin | Improves (the measure goes up) | 2 studies | 37 people | |||
Studies that measured ghrelin
| ||||||
| Leptin | Improves (the measure goes up) | 1 study | 20 people | |||
Studies that measured leptin | ||||||
| Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) | Improves (the measure goes up) | 20 people | ||||
| Satiety | Improves (the measure goes up) | 10 people | ||||
Nonnutritive Sweeteners
- Food Intake: improves
- Weight: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Food Intake Small Decrease | Improves (the measure goes down) | Small effect | 1 study | 944 people | ||
| Weight Small Decrease | Improves (the measure goes down) | Small effect | 1 study | 2,617 people | ||
Beta-glucans
- Body Mass Index (BMI): improves
- Weight: changes; see studies
- Waist circumference: changes; see studies
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Body Mass Index (BMI) Small Decrease | Improves (the measure goes down) | Small effect | 1,064 people | |||
| Weight | Changes; see studies | 1 study | 1,064 people | |||
| Waist circumference | Changes; see studies | 1,064 people | ||||
Black seed
- Blood glucose: improves
- Total cholesterol: changes; see studies
- Low-density lipoprotein (LDL): changes; see studies
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blood glucose Moderate Improvement | Improves (the measure goes down) | Moderate effect | 2 studies | 117 people | ||
Studies that measured blood glucose | ||||||
| Total cholesterol | Changes; see studies | 4 studies | 117 people | |||
Studies that measured total cholesterol
| ||||||
| Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) | Changes; see studies | 2 studies | 117 people | |||
Studies that measured low-density lipoprotein (ldl) | ||||||
| Blood Pressure | Changes; see studies | 1 study | 117 people | |||
Studies that measured blood pressure | ||||||
| High-density lipoprotein (HDL) | Improves (the measure goes up) | 1 study | 117 people | |||
Studies that measured high-density lipoprotein (hdl) | ||||||
| Food Intake | Changes; see studies | 117 people | ||||
| Kidney Function | Improves (the measure goes up) | 117 people | ||||
| Liver Enzymes | Changes; see studies | 117 people | ||||
| Triglycerides | Changes; see studies | 117 people | ||||
| Weight | Changes; see studies | 117 people | ||||
Fenugreek
- Appetite
- High-density lipoprotein (HDL): improves
- Insulin: changes; see studies
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Appetite Mixed effect | 2 studies | 51 people | ||||
| High-density lipoprotein (HDL) | Improves (the measure goes up) | 1 study | 517 people | |||
Studies that measured high-density lipoprotein (hdl) | ||||||
| Insulin | Changes; see studies | 1 study | 39 people | |||
Studies that measured insulin | ||||||
| Total cholesterol | Improves (the measure goes down) | 1 study | 550 people | |||
Studies that measured total cholesterol | ||||||
| Body Mass Index (BMI) | Improves (the measure goes down) | 366 people | ||||
| Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) | Improves (the measure goes down) | 371 people | ||||
| Triglycerides | Improves (the measure goes down) | 550 people | ||||
| Weight | Improves (the measure goes down) | 387 people | ||||
Cocoa Extract
- Blood Flow: improves
- High-density lipoprotein (HDL): improves
- Blood Pressure: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blood Flow Moderate Increase | Improves (the measure goes up) | Moderate effect | 2 studies | 49 people | ||
| High-density lipoprotein (HDL) | Improves (the measure goes up) | 13 studies | 49 people | |||
Studies that measured high-density lipoprotein (hdl) | ||||||
| Blood Pressure | Improves (the measure goes down) | 10 studies | 85 people | |||
Studies that measured blood pressure
| ||||||
| Triglycerides | Improves (the measure goes down) | 3 studies | 49 people | |||
Studies that measured triglycerides
| ||||||
| Fat Oxidation | Improves (the measure goes up) | 1 study | 49 people | |||
| Body Fat | Improves (the measure goes down) | 36 people | ||||
| Glycemic Control | Improves (the measure goes up) | 49 people | ||||
| Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) | Improves (the measure goes down) | 49 people | ||||
| Subjective Well-Being | Improves (the measure goes up) | 36 people | ||||
| Total cholesterol | Improves (the measure goes down) | 49 people | ||||
| Weight | Improves (the measure goes down) | 85 people | ||||
Probiotics
- Body Fat: improves
- Total cholesterol: improves
- Weight: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Body Fat Small Decrease | Improves (the measure goes down) | Small effect | 1 study | 92 people | ||
| Total cholesterol | Improves (the measure goes down) | 1 study | 92 people | |||
| Weight | Improves (the measure goes down) | 1 study | 422 people | |||
| Body Mass Index (BMI) | Improves (the measure goes down) | 244 people | ||||
| High-density lipoprotein (HDL) | Improves (the measure goes up) | 92 people | ||||
| Hip Circumference | Improves (the measure goes down) | 92 people | ||||
| Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) | Improves (the measure goes down) | 412 people | ||||
| Muscle Mass | Improves (the measure goes up) | 92 people | ||||
| Visceral Fat | Improves (the measure goes down) | 231 people | ||||
| Waist circumference | Improves (the measure goes down) | 297 people | ||||
| Waist-Hip Ratio | Improves (the measure goes up) | 92 people | ||||
L-Tyrosine
- Impulse Control: improves
- Subjective Well-Being: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Impulse Control Small Increase | Improves (the measure goes up) | Small effect | 1 study | 22 people | ||
Studies that measured impulse control | ||||||
| Subjective Well-Being | Improves (the measure goes up) | 22 people | ||||
Whey Protein
- Appetite: improves
- Insulin: changes; see studies
- Weight: improves
Niacin (Vitamin B3)
- Adiponectin: improves
- Insulin: changes; see studies
- Low-density lipoprotein (LDL): improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adiponectin Moderate Increase | Improves (the measure goes up) | Moderate effect | 1 study | 30 people | ||
Studies that measured adiponectin | ||||||
| Insulin | Changes; see studies | 2 studies | 30 people | |||
| Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) | Improves (the measure goes down) | 2 studies | 30 people | |||
Studies that measured low-density lipoprotein (ldl) | ||||||
| Total cholesterol | Improves (the measure goes down) | 2 studies | 30 people | |||
| Apolipoprotein A | Improves (the measure goes up) | 1 study | 30 people | |||
Studies that measured apolipoprotein a | ||||||
| Blood glucose | Improves (the measure goes down) | 1 study | 30 people | |||
| High-density lipoprotein (HDL) | Improves (the measure goes up) | 1 study | 30 people | |||
| Blood Flow | Improves (the measure goes up) | 30 people | ||||
| C-Reactive Protein (CRP) | Improves (the measure goes down) | 30 people | ||||
| Cell Adhesion Factors | Improves (the measure goes down) | 30 people | ||||
| Glycemic Control | Improves (the measure goes up) | 30 people | ||||
| Interleukin 6 | Improves (the measure goes down) | 30 people | ||||
| Leptin | Improves (the measure goes up) | 30 people | ||||
| Liver Enzymes | Changes; see studies | 30 people | ||||
| Resistin | Improves (the measure goes up) | 30 people | ||||
| TNF-Alpha | Improves (the measure goes down) | 30 people | ||||
| Triglycerides | Improves (the measure goes down) | 30 people | ||||
L-Carnitine
- Body Fat: improves
- Total cholesterol: improves
- Muscle Mass: improves
Colostrum
- Muscle Mass: improves
- Weight: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Muscle Mass Small Improvement | Improves (the measure goes up) | Small effect | 1 study | 34 people | ||
| Weight | Improves (the measure goes down) | 5 studies | 34 people |
5-HTP
- Appetite: improves
- Weight: changes; see studies
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Appetite Moderate Decrease | Improves (the measure goes down) | Moderate effect | 1 study | 20 people | ||
| Weight | Changes; see studies | 2 studies | 20 people |
CDP-Choline
- Appetite: improves
- Weight: changes; see studies
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Appetite Small Decrease | Improves (the measure goes down) | Small effect | 1 study | 16 people | ||
| Weight | Changes; see studies | 16 people |
Pterostilbene
- Blood Pressure: improves
- Weight: improves
- High-density lipoprotein (HDL): improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blood Pressure Small Improvement | Improves (the measure goes down) | Small effect | 80 people | |||
| Weight | Improves (the measure goes down) | 1 study | 80 people | |||
| High-density lipoprotein (HDL) | Improves (the measure goes up) | 80 people | ||||
| Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) | Improves (the measure goes down) | 80 people | ||||
| Total cholesterol | Improves (the measure goes down) | 80 people | ||||
| Triglycerides | Improves (the measure goes down) | 80 people |
Fish Oil
- 5-HEPE: improves
- Triglycerides: improves
- High-density lipoprotein (HDL): improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5-HEPE Moderate Increase | Improves (the measure goes up) | Moderate effect | 50 people | |||
| Triglycerides | Improves (the measure goes down) | 24 studies | 93 people | |||
| High-density lipoprotein (HDL) | Improves (the measure goes up) | 7 studies | 93 people | |||
| Weight | Improves (the measure goes down) | 7 studies | 145 people | |||
| C-Reactive Protein (CRP) | Improves (the measure goes down) | 4 studies | 93 people | |||
| Insulin | Changes; see studies | 4 studies | 93 people | |||
| Blood Pressure | Improves (the measure goes down) | 2 studies | 93 people | |||
| TNF-Alpha | Improves (the measure goes down) | 2 studies | 93 people | |||
| 5-HETE | Improves (the measure goes up) | 1 study | 50 people | |||
| Muscle Mass | Improves (the measure goes up) | 1 study | 93 people | |||
| Adiponectin | Improves (the measure goes up) | 93 people | ||||
| Blood glucose | Improves (the measure goes down) | 93 people | ||||
| Glycemic Control | Improves (the measure goes up) | 93 people | ||||
| Ketone Bodies | Improves (the measure goes up) | 20 people | ||||
| Leptin | Improves (the measure goes up) | 93 people | ||||
| Leukotriene B4 | Improves (the measure goes up) | 50 people |
Moro Orange Extract
- Body Fat: improves
- Weight: improves
- Muscle Mass: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Body Fat Small Decrease | Improves (the measure goes down) | Small effect | 169 people | |||
| Weight | Improves (the measure goes down) | 1 study | 229 people | |||
| Muscle Mass | Improves (the measure goes up) | 169 people | ||||
| Waist circumference | Improves (the measure goes down) | 229 people |
Green Tea Extract
- Adiponectin: improves
- Weight: improves
- Fat Oxidation: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adiponectin Small Increase | Improves (the measure goes up) | Small effect | 78 people | |||
| Weight | Improves (the measure goes down) | 6 studies | 1,562 people | |||
| Fat Oxidation | Improves (the measure goes up) | 5 studies | 6 people | |||
| Body Fat | Improves (the measure goes down) | 2 studies | 79 people | |||
| High-density lipoprotein (HDL) | Improves (the measure goes up) | 1 study | 132 people | |||
| Leptin | Improves (the measure goes up) | 1 study | 927 people | |||
| Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) | Improves (the measure goes down) | 1 study | 78 people | |||
| Body Mass Index (BMI) | Improves (the measure goes down) | 109 people | ||||
| Food Intake | Changes; see studies | 79 people | ||||
| Ghrelin | Improves (the measure goes up) | 927 people | ||||
| Waist circumference | Improves (the measure goes down) | 75 people | ||||
| Waist-Hip Ratio | Improves (the measure goes up) | 109 people |
Vitamin D
- Body Fat: improves
- Low-density lipoprotein (LDL): improves
- Weight: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Body Fat Small Decrease | Improves (the measure goes down) | Small effect | 165 people | |||
| Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) | Improves (the measure goes down) | 3 studies | 165 people | |||
| Weight | Improves (the measure goes down) | 2 studies | 165 people | |||
| Parathyroid Hormone | Improves (the measure goes up) | 1 study | 165 people | |||
| Metabolic Rate | Improves (the measure goes up) | 165 people | ||||
| TNF-Alpha | Improves (the measure goes down) | 165 people | ||||
| Triglycerides | Improves (the measure goes down) | 165 people |
Spirulina
- Adiponectin: improves
- Low-density lipoprotein (LDL): improves
- Total cholesterol: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adiponectin Small Increase | Improves (the measure goes up) | Small effect | 52 people | |||
| Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) | Improves (the measure goes down) | 5 studies | 52 people | |||
| Total cholesterol | Improves (the measure goes down) | 5 studies | 52 people | |||
| Body Fat | Improves (the measure goes down) | 2 studies | 198 people | |||
| Appetite | Changes; see studies | 1 study | 52 people | |||
| IGF-1 | Improves (the measure goes up) | 1 study | 40 people | |||
| Triglycerides | Improves (the measure goes down) | 1 study | 52 people | |||
| Weight | Improves (the measure goes down) | 1 study | 649 people | |||
| Body Mass Index (BMI) | Improves (the measure goes down) | 748 people | ||||
| C-Reactive Protein (CRP) | Improves (the measure goes down) | 52 people | ||||
| Follistatin | Improves (the measure goes up) | 40 people | ||||
| High-density lipoprotein (HDL) | Improves (the measure goes up) | 52 people | ||||
| Hip Circumference | Improves (the measure goes down) | 52 people | ||||
| Liver Enzymes | Changes; see studies | 40 people | ||||
| Muscle Mass | Improves (the measure goes up) | 92 people | ||||
| Myostatin | Improves (the measure goes up) | 40 people | ||||
| Waist circumference | Improves (the measure goes down) | 312 people | ||||
| Waist-Hip Ratio | Improves (the measure goes up) | 52 people |
African Mango
- Blood glucose: improves
- Total cholesterol: changes; see studies
- Blood Pressure: changes; see studies
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blood glucose Small improvement in blood glucose | Improves (the measure goes down) | Small effect | 40 people | |||
| Total cholesterol | Changes; see studies | 2 studies | 40 people | |||
| Blood Pressure | Changes; see studies | 40 people | ||||
| High-density lipoprotein (HDL) | Improves (the measure goes up) | 40 people | ||||
| Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) | Changes; see studies | 40 people | ||||
| Triglycerides | Changes; see studies | 40 people | ||||
| Weight | Changes; see studies | 40 people |
Brown Seaweed Extract
- Blood Pressure: improves
- Liver Enzymes: changes; see studies
- C-Reactive Protein (CRP): changes; see studies
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blood Pressure Small Improvement | Improves (the measure goes down) | Small effect | 151 people | |||
| Liver Enzymes | Changes; see studies | 1 study | 151 people | |||
| C-Reactive Protein (CRP) | Changes; see studies | 151 people | ||||
| Liver Fat | Changes; see studies | 151 people | ||||
| Metabolic Rate | Improves (the measure goes up) | 151 people | ||||
| Triglycerides | Changes; see studies | 151 people | ||||
| Weight | Changes; see studies | 151 people |
Creatine
- Body Fat: improves
- Muscle Mass: improves
- Myostatin: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Body Fat Small Decrease | Improves (the measure goes down) | Small effect | 19 people | |||
| Muscle Mass | Improves (the measure goes up) | 5 studies | 46 people | |||
| Myostatin | Improves (the measure goes up) | 27 people |
Astaxanthin
- Adiponectin: improves
- Total cholesterol: changes; see studies
- Triglycerides: changes; see studies
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adiponectin Small Increase | Improves (the measure goes up) | Small effect | 61 people | |||
| Total cholesterol | Changes; see studies | 2 studies | 61 people | |||
| Triglycerides | Changes; see studies | 2 studies | 61 people | |||
| Blood glucose | Changes; see studies | 1 study | 61 people | |||
| High-density lipoprotein (HDL) | Improves (the measure goes up) | 1 study | 61 people | |||
| Weight | Changes; see studies | 1 study | 61 people | |||
| Blood Pressure | Changes; see studies | 61 people | ||||
| Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) | Changes; see studies | 61 people |
Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
- Appetite: improves
- Blood glucose: changes; see studies
- Inflammation: changes; see studies
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Appetite Small Decrease | Improves (the measure goes down) | Small effect | 10 people | |||
| Blood glucose | Changes; see studies | 1 study | 10 people | |||
| Inflammation | Changes; see studies | 1 study | 10 people | |||
| Metabolic Rate | Improves (the measure goes up) | 1 study | 10 people | |||
| Insulin | Changes; see studies | 10 people | ||||
| Thermic effect of food (TEF) | Improves (the measure goes up) | 10 people |
Zinc
- Body Fat
- Insulin: changes; see studies
- Interleukin 2: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Body Fat No effect | NoneNo effect | 1 study | 9 people | |||
| Insulin | Changes; see studies | 1 study | 9 people | |||
| Interleukin 2 | Improves (the measure goes up) | 9 people | ||||
| Leptin | Improves (the measure goes up) | 9 people | ||||
| Serum DHEA | Improves (the measure goes up) | 9 people | ||||
| TNF-Alpha | Improves (the measure goes down) | 9 people |
Quercetin
- Blood Pressure
- Fat Oxidation: improves
- Metabolic Rate: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blood Pressure No effect | NoneNo effect | 1 study | 6 people | |||
| Fat Oxidation | Improves (the measure goes up) | 6 people | ||||
| Metabolic Rate | Improves (the measure goes up) | 6 people |
Vitamin C
- Body Fat
- Weight: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Body Fat No effect | NoneNo effect | 1 study | 941 people | |||
| Weight | Improves (the measure goes down) | 1 study | 941 people |
Conjugated Linoleic Acid
- Appetite
- Body Fat: improves
- High-density lipoprotein (HDL): improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Appetite No effect | NoneNo effect | 1 study | 54 people | |||
| Body Fat | Improves (the measure goes down) | 7 studies | 652 people | |||
| High-density lipoprotein (HDL) | Improves (the measure goes up) | 6 studies | 53 people | |||
| Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) | Improves (the measure goes down) | 6 studies | 53 people | |||
| Weight | Improves (the measure goes down) | 6 studies | 559 people | |||
| Muscle Mass | Improves (the measure goes up) | 5 studies | 456 people | |||
| Glycemic Control | Improves (the measure goes up) | 4 studies | 75 people | |||
| Blood Pressure | Improves (the measure goes down) | 2 studies | 35 people | |||
| Liver Enzymes | Changes; see studies | 2 studies | 134 people | |||
| HbA1c | Improves (the measure goes down) | 1 study | 35 people | |||
| Blood glucose | Improves (the measure goes down) | 187 people | ||||
| Bone Mineral Density | Improves (the measure goes up) | 134 people | ||||
| Insulin | Changes; see studies | 53 people | ||||
| Metabolic Rate | Improves (the measure goes up) | 94 people | ||||
| Subjective Well-Being | Improves (the measure goes up) | 40 people |
HMB
- Body Fat
- Muscle Mass: improves
- Liver Enzymes: changes; see studies
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Body Fat No effect | NoneNo effect | 1 study | 77 people | |||
| Muscle Mass | Improves (the measure goes up) | 8 studies | 77 people | |||
| Liver Enzymes | Changes; see studies | 1 study | 40 people | |||
| Muscle Damage | Changes; see studies | 1 study | 37 people | |||
| Bone Mineral Density | Improves (the measure goes up) | 40 people | ||||
| Fatigue Symptoms | Improves (the measure goes down) | 37 people | ||||
| Food Intake | Changes; see studies | 77 people |
Chia seeds
- Blood glucose
- Blood Pressure: improves
- C-Reactive Protein (CRP): improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blood glucose No effect | NoneNo effect | 1 study | 76 people | |||
| Blood Pressure | Improves (the measure goes down) | 1 study | 76 people | |||
| C-Reactive Protein (CRP) | Improves (the measure goes down) | 1 study | 76 people | |||
| Total cholesterol | Improves (the measure goes down) | 1 study | 76 people | |||
| Triglycerides | Improves (the measure goes down) | 1 study | 76 people | |||
| High-density lipoprotein (HDL) | Improves (the measure goes up) | 76 people | ||||
| Inflammation | Improves (the measure goes down) | 76 people | ||||
| Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) | Improves (the measure goes down) | 76 people |
Nicotine
- Fat Oxidation
- Metabolic Rate: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fat Oxidation No effect | NoneNo effect | 1 study | 12 people | |||
| Metabolic Rate | Improves (the measure goes up) | 12 people |
Capsaicin
- Blood Pressure
- Food Intake: changes; see studies
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blood Pressure No effect | NoneNo effect | 1 study | 16 people | |||
| Food Intake | Changes; see studies | 16 people |
Folic Acid (Vitamin B9)
- Body Mass Index (BMI)
- Weight: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Body Mass Index (BMI) No effect | NoneNo effect | 1 study | 409 people | |||
| Weight | Improves (the measure goes down) | 409 people |
Pyruvate
- Body Fat
- Weight: improves
- High-density lipoprotein (HDL): improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Body Fat No effect | NoneNo effect | 1 study | 45 people | |||
| Weight | Improves (the measure goes down) | 5 studies | 56 people | |||
| High-density lipoprotein (HDL) | Improves (the measure goes up) | 1 study | 34 people | |||
| Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) | Improves (the measure goes down) | 34 people |
Saffron
- Appetite
- Blood glucose: improves
- Blood Pressure: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Appetite No effect | NoneNo effect | 60 people | ||||
| Blood glucose | Improves (the measure goes down) | 6 studies | 138 people | |||
| Blood Pressure | Improves (the measure goes down) | 3 studies | 54 people | |||
| Weight | Improves (the measure goes down) | 3 studies | 198 people | |||
| Triglycerides | Improves (the measure goes down) | 2 studies | 138 people | |||
| High-density lipoprotein (HDL) | Improves (the measure goes up) | 1 study | 138 people | |||
| Body Fat | Improves (the measure goes down) | 84 people | ||||
| Food Intake | Changes; see studies | 60 people | ||||
| HbA1c | Improves (the measure goes down) | 54 people | ||||
| Hunger | Improves (the measure goes up) | 84 people | ||||
| Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) | Improves (the measure goes down) | 138 people | ||||
| Muscle Mass | Improves (the measure goes up) | 84 people | ||||
| Satiety | Improves (the measure goes up) | 84 people | ||||
| Total cholesterol | Improves (the measure goes down) | 138 people | ||||
| vLDL-C | Improves (the measure goes down) | 84 people | ||||
| Waist circumference | Improves (the measure goes down) | 138 people | ||||
| Waist-Hip Ratio | Improves (the measure goes up) | 84 people |
Ursolic Acid
- Blood glucose
- IGF-1: improves
- Body Fat: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blood glucose No effect | NoneNo effect | 16 people | ||||
| IGF-1 | Improves (the measure goes up) | 1 study | 16 people | |||
| Body Fat | Improves (the measure goes down) | 16 people | ||||
| Insulin | Changes; see studies | 16 people | ||||
| Irisin | Improves (the measure goes up) | 16 people | ||||
| Muscle Mass | Improves (the measure goes up) | 16 people |
Rose Hip
- Adiponectin
- C-Reactive Protein (CRP): improves
- Glycemic Control: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adiponectin No effect | NoneNo effect | 31 people | ||||
| C-Reactive Protein (CRP) | Improves (the measure goes down) | 3 studies | 31 people | |||
| Glycemic Control | Improves (the measure goes up) | 1 study | 31 people | |||
| Blood glucose | Improves (the measure goes down) | 31 people | ||||
| Blood Pressure | Improves (the measure goes down) | 31 people | ||||
| HbA1c | Improves (the measure goes down) | 31 people | ||||
| High-density lipoprotein (HDL) | Improves (the measure goes up) | 31 people | ||||
| Insulin | Changes; see studies | 31 people | ||||
| Liver Enzymes | Changes; see studies | 31 people | ||||
| Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) | Improves (the measure goes down) | 31 people | ||||
| Total cholesterol | Improves (the measure goes down) | 31 people | ||||
| Triglycerides | Improves (the measure goes down) | 31 people | ||||
| Weight | Improves (the measure goes down) | 31 people |
Coleus forskohlii
- Appetite
- Weight: improves
- Muscle Mass: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Appetite No effect | NoneNo effect | 30 people | ||||
| Weight | Improves (the measure goes down) | 3 studies | 60 people | |||
| Muscle Mass | Improves (the measure goes up) | 1 study | 30 people | |||
| Blood glucose | Improves (the measure goes down) | 30 people | ||||
| Blood Pressure | Improves (the measure goes down) | 30 people | ||||
| Body Fat | Improves (the measure goes down) | 30 people | ||||
| Bone Mineral Density | Improves (the measure goes up) | 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 | ||||
| Testosterone | Improves (the measure goes up) | 30 people | ||||
| Waist circumference | Improves (the measure goes down) | 30 people | ||||
| Waist-Hip Ratio | Improves (the measure goes up) | 30 people |
Chromium
- Adiponectin
- Weight: improves
- Glycemic Control: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adiponectin No effect | NoneNo effect | 25 people | ||||
| Weight | Improves (the measure goes down) | 12 studies | 174 people | |||
| Glycemic Control | Improves (the measure goes up) | 9 studies | 133 people | |||
| Blood glucose | Improves (the measure goes down) | 6 studies | 133 people | |||
| Muscle Mass | Improves (the measure goes up) | 5 studies | 108 people | |||
| HbA1c | Improves (the measure goes down) | 4 studies | 66 people | |||
| Blood Pressure | Improves (the measure goes down) | 1 study | 25 people | |||
| High-density lipoprotein (HDL) | Improves (the measure goes up) | 1 study | 91 people | |||
| Insulin | Changes; see studies | 1 study | 108 people | |||
| Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) | Improves (the measure goes down) | 1 study | 66 people | |||
| Total cholesterol | Improves (the measure goes down) | 1 study | 91 people | |||
| Appetite | Changes; see studies | 42 people | ||||
| Body Fat | Improves (the measure goes down) | 154 people | ||||
| C-Peptide | Improves (the measure goes up) | 46 people | ||||
| Food Intake | Changes; see studies | 42 people | ||||
| Resistin | Improves (the measure goes up) | 20 people | ||||
| Triglycerides | Improves (the measure goes down) | 91 people |
Ashwagandha
- Blood Pressure
- Stress Signs and Symptoms: improves
- Body Temperature: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blood Pressure No effect | NoneNo effect | 52 people | ||||
| Stress Signs and Symptoms | Improves (the measure goes down) | 3 studies | 52 people | |||
| Body Temperature | Improves (the measure goes up) | 52 people | ||||
| Subjective Well-Being | Improves (the measure goes up) | 52 people | ||||
| Weight | Improves (the measure goes down) | 52 people |
Garcinia
- Apolipoprotein B
- Appetite
- Weight: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apolipoprotein B No effect | NoneNo effect | 86 people | ||||
| Appetite No effect | NoneNo effect | 89 people | ||||
| Weight | Improves (the measure goes down) | 2 studies | 310 people | |||
| Food Intake | Changes; see studies | 1 study | 86 people | |||
| High-density lipoprotein (HDL) | Improves (the measure goes up) | 86 people | ||||
| Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) | Improves (the measure goes down) | 86 people | ||||
| Total cholesterol | Improves (the measure goes down) | 86 people | ||||
| Triglycerides | Improves (the measure goes down) | 86 people |
Inulin
- Appetite
- Bifidobacterium Abundance: improves
- Liver Fat: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Appetite No effect | NoneNo effect | 43 people | ||||
| Bifidobacterium Abundance | Improves (the measure goes up) | 1 study | 43 people | |||
| Liver Fat | Improves (the measure goes down) | 43 people | ||||
| Visceral Fat | Improves (the measure goes down) | 43 people |
Bitter orange
- Blood glucose
- Blood Pressure: changes; see studies
- Weight: changes; see studies
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blood glucose No effect | NoneNo effect | 86 people | ||||
| Blood Pressure | Changes; see studies | 9 studies | 75 people | |||
| Weight | Changes; see studies | 1 study | 94 people | |||
| Metabolic Rate | Improves (the measure goes up) | 28 people |
Licorice
- Adiponectin
- Body Fat: improves
- Glycemic Control: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Caffeine
- Appetite
- Cortisol: changes; see studies
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Appetite No effect | NoneNo effect | 16 people | ||||
| Cortisol | Changes; see studies | 1 study | 16 people |
Safflower Oil
- Body Fat
- Muscle Mass: improves
- Weight: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Body Fat No effect | NoneNo effect | 35 people | ||||
| Muscle Mass | Improves (the measure goes up) | 35 people | ||||
| Weight | Improves (the measure goes down) | 35 people |
Milk Protein
- Appetite
- Food Intake: changes; see studies
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Appetite No effect | NoneNo effect | 17 people | ||||
| Food Intake | Changes; see studies | 1 study | 17 people |
Fiber
- Appetite
- Liver Fat: improves
- Bifidobacterium Abundance: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Appetite No effect | NoneNo effect | 43 people | ||||
| Liver Fat | Improves (the measure goes down) | 1 study | 43 people | |||
| Bifidobacterium Abundance | Improves (the measure goes up) | 43 people | ||||
| Visceral Fat | Improves (the measure goes down) | 43 people |
DHEA
- Body Fat
- Estrogen: changes; see studies
- Testosterone: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Body Fat No effect | NoneNo effect | 20 people | ||||
| Estrogen | Changes; see studies | 8 studies | 20 people | |||
| Testosterone | Improves (the measure goes up) | 3 studies | 20 people | |||
| Bone Mineral Density | Improves (the measure goes up) | 2 studies | 225 people | |||
| Muscle Mass | Improves (the measure goes up) | 2 studies | 20 people | |||
| Weight | Improves (the measure goes down) | 20 people |
Medium-chain Triglycerides
- Apolipoprotein A
- Apolipoprotein B
- Fat Oxidation: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apolipoprotein A No effect | NoneNo effect | 40 people | ||||
| Apolipoprotein B No effect | NoneNo effect | 40 people | ||||
| Fat Oxidation | Improves (the measure goes up) | 3 studies | 58 people | |||
| Total cholesterol | Improves (the measure goes down) | 3 studies | 372 people | |||
| Metabolic Rate | Improves (the measure goes up) | 2 studies | 12 people | |||
| Food Intake | Changes; see studies | 1 study | 291 people | |||
| Blood glucose | Improves (the measure goes down) | 430 people | ||||
| Body Fat | Improves (the measure goes down) | 522 people | ||||
| Glycemic Control | Improves (the measure goes up) | 40 people | ||||
| High-density lipoprotein (HDL) | Improves (the measure goes up) | 250 people | ||||
| Insulin | Changes; see studies | 430 people | ||||
| Insulin Resistance | Improves (the measure goes down) | 390 people | ||||
| Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) | Improves (the measure goes down) | 237 people | ||||
| Respiratory Exchange Ratio | Improves (the measure goes up) | 29 people | ||||
| Thermic effect of food (TEF) | Improves (the measure goes up) | 12 people | ||||
| Triglycerides | Improves (the measure goes down) | 372 people | ||||
| Waist circumference | Improves (the measure goes down) | 354 people | ||||
| Weight | Improves (the measure goes down) | 749 people |
Black Chokeberry
- Blood glucose
- Total cholesterol: changes; see studies
- Triglycerides: changes; see studies
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blood glucose No effect | NoneNo effect | 523 people | ||||
| Total cholesterol | Changes; see studies | 1 study | 477 people | |||
| Triglycerides | Changes; see studies | 1 study | 477 people | |||
| Weight | Changes; see studies | 1 study | 343 people | |||
| Blood Pressure | Changes; see studies | 690 people | ||||
| Body Mass Index (BMI) | Changes; see studies | 377 people | ||||
| High-density lipoprotein (HDL) | Improves (the measure goes up) | 477 people | ||||
| Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) | Changes; see studies | 477 people | ||||
| Waist circumference | Changes; see studies | 199 people |
Curcumin
- Apolipoprotein A
- Blood glucose: improves
- Triglycerides: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apolipoprotein A No effect | NoneNo effect | 80 people | ||||
| Blood glucose | Improves (the measure goes down) | 18 studies | 160 people | |||
| Triglycerides | Improves (the measure goes down) | 9 studies | 190 people | |||
| Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) | Improves (the measure goes down) | 5 studies | 190 people | |||
| Weight | Improves (the measure goes down) | 5 studies | 949 people | |||
| Total cholesterol | Improves (the measure goes down) | 4 studies | 190 people | |||
| Blood Pressure | Improves (the measure goes down) | 2 studies | 80 people | |||
| Insulin | Changes; see studies | 2 studies | 160 people | |||
| Liver Fat | Improves (the measure goes down) | 1 study | 80 people | |||
| Apolipoprotein B | Improves (the measure goes down) | 80 people | ||||
| Body Fat | Improves (the measure goes down) | 269 people | ||||
| Body Mass Index (BMI) | Improves (the measure goes down) | 902 people | ||||
| C-Reactive Protein (CRP) | Improves (the measure goes down) | 110 people | ||||
| Cortisol | Improves (the measure goes down) | 80 people | ||||
| Glycemic Control | Improves (the measure goes up) | 160 people | ||||
| HbA1c | Improves (the measure goes down) | 80 people | ||||
| High-density lipoprotein (HDL) | Improves (the measure goes up) | 190 people | ||||
| Hip Circumference | Improves (the measure goes down) | 105 people | ||||
| Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC) | Improves (the measure goes up) | 80 people | ||||
| Waist circumference | Improves (the measure goes down) | 419 people | ||||
| Waist-Hip Ratio | Improves (the measure goes up) | 117 people |
Betaine
- Blood glucose
- Homocysteine: changes; see studies
- Total cholesterol: changes; see studies
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Ephedrine
- Weight: improves
- Metabolic Rate: improves
- Body Fat: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | Improves (the measure goes down) | 9 studies | 331 people | |||
| Metabolic Rate | Improves (the measure goes up) | 5 studies | 5 people | |||
| Body Fat | Improves (the measure goes down) | 1 study | 224 people | |||
| Blood Pressure Small Detriment | Worsens (the measure goes up) | Small effect | 274 people | |||
| High-density lipoprotein (HDL) | Improves (the measure goes up) | 224 people | ||||
| Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) | Improves (the measure goes down) | 167 people | ||||
| Triglycerides | Improves (the measure goes down) | 57 people |
ECA
- Metabolic Rate: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Metabolic Rate | Improves (the measure goes up) | 2 studies | 20 people |
Green Coffee Extract
- Weight: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | Improves (the measure goes down) | 2 studies | 103 people |
Calcium
- Weight: changes; see studies
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | Changes; see studies | 1 study | 885 people |
Key findings
- AppetiteImproves (the measure goes down)
- Food IntakeImproves (the measure goes down)
- WeightImproves (the measure goes down)
The Weight Loss Maintenance protocol
2 primary supplements · 4 supporting supplements
- Protein (Whey/Casein)25–50 g daily (maintain 1.2–1.6 g/kg protein intake)
- Fiber (Beta-glucan/Psyllium)5–15 g daily
Shop the evidence-backed picks
The collection holds the supplements we grade A or B for its theme, in third-party tested products where the catalog has them. It opens in our Fullscript store. You can look through it without signing in; Fullscript asks for a free account to order.
Or shop one supplement
The supplements graded A or B for Weight Loss & Maintenance. Each opens third-party tested products for that supplement.
- Grade B
- Grade B
- Grade B
- Grade B
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Studies cited
15 studies from PubMed
- A randomized trial of a low-carbohydrate diet vs orlistat plus a low-fat diet for weight loss
- A randomized trial comparing a very low carbohydrate diet and a calorie-restricted low fat diet on body weight and cardiovascular risk factors in healthy women
- Adherence to Time-Restricted Feeding and Impact on Abdominal Obesity in Primary Care Patients: Results of a Pilot Study in a Pre-Post Design
- A systematic review and meta-analysis of changes in body weight in clinical trials of vegetarian diets
- A Mediterranean Diet and Low-Fat Vegan Diet to Improve Body Weight and Cardiometabolic Risk Factors: A Randomized, Cross-over Trial
- Comparison of a Restricted and Unrestricted Vegan Diet Plan with a Restricted Omnivorous Diet Plan on Health-Specific Measures
- Distribution of energy intake across the day and weight loss: A systematic review and meta-analysis
- Kefir drink leads to a similar weight loss, compared with milk, in a dairy-rich non-energy-restricted diet in overweight or obese premenopausal women: a randomized controlled trial
- Effects of a Paleolithic Diet on Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
- Influence of Paleolithic diet on anthropometric markers in chronic diseases: systematic review and meta-analysis
- The effects of chicory inulin-type fructans supplementation on weight management outcomes: systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression of randomized controlled trials.
- Effects of canola oil on body weight and composition in adults: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis of 32 randomized controlled trials.
- Effects of stevia, aspartame, and sucrose on food intake, satiety, and postprandial glucose and insulin levels
- Thermogenic effects of commercially available plant preparations aimed at treating human obesity
- Yerba Maté (Illex Paraguariensis) ingestion augments fat oxidation and energy expenditure during exercise at various submaximal intensities