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Dr. Grey AI

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

59 supplements

Psyllium: outcomes studied for Weight Loss & Maintenance
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
Appetite

Small Decrease

Improves (the measure goes down)Small effect3 studies47 people
WeightImproves (the measure goes down)3 studies465 people
Body Mass Index (BMI)Improves (the measure goes down)354 people
Food IntakeChanges; see studies16 people
Gastric Emptying RateChanges; see studies14 people
Waist circumferenceImproves (the measure goes down)354 people

Cannabis: outcomes studied for Weight Loss & Maintenance
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
Appetite

Small Increase

Worsens (the measure goes up)Small effect1 study27 people
Food IntakeChanges; see studies2 studies17 people

Studies that measured food intake

GhrelinImproves (the measure goes up)2 studies37 people
LeptinImproves (the measure goes up)1 study20 people
Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1)Improves (the measure goes up)20 people
SatietyImproves (the measure goes up)10 people

Nonnutritive Sweeteners

  • Food Intake: improves
  • Weight: improves
Nonnutritive Sweeteners: outcomes studied for Weight Loss & Maintenance
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
Food Intake

Small Decrease

Improves (the measure goes down)Small effect1 study944 people
Weight

Small Decrease

Improves (the measure goes down)Small effect1 study2,617 people

Beta-glucans

  • Body Mass Index (BMI): improves
  • Weight: changes; see studies
  • Waist circumference: changes; see studies
Beta-glucans: outcomes studied for Weight Loss & Maintenance
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
Body Mass Index (BMI)

Small Decrease

Improves (the measure goes down)Small effect1,064 people
WeightChanges; see studies1 study1,064 people
Waist circumferenceChanges; see studies1,064 people

Black seed

  • Blood glucose: improves
  • Total cholesterol: changes; see studies
  • Low-density lipoprotein (LDL): changes; see studies
Black seed: outcomes studied for Weight Loss & Maintenance
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
Blood glucose

Moderate Improvement

Improves (the measure goes down)Moderate effect2 studies117 people
Total cholesterolChanges; see studies4 studies117 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)Changes; see studies2 studies117 people
Blood PressureChanges; see studies1 study117 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)Improves (the measure goes up)1 study117 people
Food IntakeChanges; see studies117 people
Kidney FunctionImproves (the measure goes up)117 people
Liver EnzymesChanges; see studies117 people
TriglyceridesChanges; see studies117 people
WeightChanges; see studies117 people

Fenugreek

  • Appetite
  • High-density lipoprotein (HDL): improves
  • Insulin: changes; see studies
Fenugreek: outcomes studied for Weight Loss & Maintenance
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
Appetite

Mixed effect

2 studies51 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)Improves (the measure goes up)1 study517 people
InsulinChanges; see studies1 study39 people

Studies that measured insulin

Total cholesterolImproves (the measure goes down)1 study550 people
Body Mass Index (BMI)Improves (the measure goes down)366 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)Improves (the measure goes down)371 people
TriglyceridesImproves (the measure goes down)550 people
WeightImproves (the measure goes down)387 people

Cocoa Extract

  • Blood Flow: improves
  • High-density lipoprotein (HDL): improves
  • Blood Pressure: improves
Cocoa Extract: outcomes studied for Weight Loss & Maintenance
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
Blood Flow

Moderate Increase

Improves (the measure goes up)Moderate effect2 studies49 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)Improves (the measure goes up)13 studies49 people
Blood PressureImproves (the measure goes down)10 studies85 people
TriglyceridesImproves (the measure goes down)3 studies49 people
Fat OxidationImproves (the measure goes up)1 study49 people
Body FatImproves (the measure goes down)36 people
Glycemic ControlImproves (the measure goes up)49 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)Improves (the measure goes down)49 people
Subjective Well-BeingImproves (the measure goes up)36 people
Total cholesterolImproves (the measure goes down)49 people
WeightImproves (the measure goes down)85 people

Probiotics

  • Body Fat: improves
  • Total cholesterol: improves
  • Weight: improves
Probiotics: outcomes studied for Weight Loss & Maintenance
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
Body Fat

Small Decrease

Improves (the measure goes down)Small effect1 study92 people
Total cholesterolImproves (the measure goes down)1 study92 people
WeightImproves (the measure goes down)1 study422 people
Body Mass Index (BMI)Improves (the measure goes down)244 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)Improves (the measure goes up)92 people
Hip CircumferenceImproves (the measure goes down)92 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)Improves (the measure goes down)412 people
Muscle MassImproves (the measure goes up)92 people
Visceral FatImproves (the measure goes down)231 people
Waist circumferenceImproves (the measure goes down)297 people
Waist-Hip RatioImproves (the measure goes up)92 people

L-Tyrosine

  • Impulse Control: improves
  • Subjective Well-Being: improves
L-Tyrosine: outcomes studied for Weight Loss & Maintenance
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
Impulse Control

Small Increase

Improves (the measure goes up)Small effect1 study22 people

Studies that measured impulse control

Subjective Well-BeingImproves (the measure goes up)22 people

Whey Protein

  • Appetite: improves
  • Insulin: changes; see studies
  • Weight: improves
Whey Protein: outcomes studied for Weight Loss & Maintenance
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
Appetite

Small Decrease

Improves (the measure goes down)Small effect1 study17 people
InsulinChanges; see studies7 studies143 people
WeightImproves (the measure goes down)4 studies2,203 people
Body FatImproves (the measure goes down)2 studies2,045 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)Improves (the measure goes up)2 studies70 people
Blood glucoseImproves (the measure goes down)1 study73 people
Glycemic ControlImproves (the measure goes up)1 study70 people
Body Mass Index (BMI)Improves (the measure goes down)1,902 people
GhrelinImproves (the measure goes up)73 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)Improves (the measure goes down)70 people
Total cholesterolImproves (the measure goes down)70 people
TriglyceridesImproves (the measure goes down)70 people
Waist circumferenceImproves (the measure goes down)1,902 people

Niacin (Vitamin B3)

  • Adiponectin: improves
  • Insulin: changes; see studies
  • Low-density lipoprotein (LDL): improves
Niacin (Vitamin B3): outcomes studied for Weight Loss & Maintenance
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
Adiponectin

Moderate Increase

Improves (the measure goes up)Moderate effect1 study30 people
InsulinChanges; see studies2 studies30 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)Improves (the measure goes down)2 studies30 people

Studies that measured low-density lipoprotein (ldl)

Total cholesterolImproves (the measure goes down)2 studies30 people
Apolipoprotein AImproves (the measure goes up)1 study30 people

Studies that measured apolipoprotein a

Blood glucoseImproves (the measure goes down)1 study30 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)Improves (the measure goes up)1 study30 people
Blood FlowImproves (the measure goes up)30 people
C-Reactive Protein (CRP)Improves (the measure goes down)30 people
Cell Adhesion FactorsImproves (the measure goes down)30 people
Glycemic ControlImproves (the measure goes up)30 people
Interleukin 6Improves (the measure goes down)30 people
LeptinImproves (the measure goes up)30 people
Liver EnzymesChanges; see studies30 people
ResistinImproves (the measure goes up)30 people
TNF-AlphaImproves (the measure goes down)30 people
TriglyceridesImproves (the measure goes down)30 people

L-Carnitine

  • Body Fat: improves
  • Total cholesterol: improves
  • Muscle Mass: improves
L-Carnitine: outcomes studied for Weight Loss & Maintenance
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
Body Fat

Small Decrease

Improves (the measure goes down)Small effect1 study96 people
Total cholesterolImproves (the measure goes down)6 studies84 people
Muscle MassImproves (the measure goes up)3 studies96 people
WeightImproves (the measure goes down)1 study12 people
Fatigue SymptomsImproves (the measure goes down)84 people
Hydration (Total Body Water)Improves (the measure goes up)12 people
Muscle protein synthesis (MPS)Improves (the measure goes up)12 people

Colostrum

  • Muscle Mass: improves
  • Weight: improves
Colostrum: outcomes studied for Weight Loss & Maintenance
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
Muscle Mass

Small Improvement

Improves (the measure goes up)Small effect1 study34 people
WeightImproves (the measure goes down)5 studies34 people

5-HTP

  • Appetite: improves
  • Weight: changes; see studies
5-HTP: outcomes studied for Weight Loss & Maintenance
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
Appetite

Moderate Decrease

Improves (the measure goes down)Moderate effect1 study20 people
WeightChanges; see studies2 studies20 people

CDP-Choline

  • Appetite: improves
  • Weight: changes; see studies
CDP-Choline: outcomes studied for Weight Loss & Maintenance
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
Appetite

Small Decrease

Improves (the measure goes down)Small effect1 study16 people
WeightChanges; see studies16 people

Pterostilbene

  • Blood Pressure: improves
  • Weight: improves
  • High-density lipoprotein (HDL): improves
Pterostilbene: outcomes studied for Weight Loss & Maintenance
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
Blood Pressure

Small Improvement

Improves (the measure goes down)Small effect80 people
WeightImproves (the measure goes down)1 study80 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)Improves (the measure goes up)80 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)Improves (the measure goes down)80 people
Total cholesterolImproves (the measure goes down)80 people
TriglyceridesImproves (the measure goes down)80 people

Fish Oil

  • 5-HEPE: improves
  • Triglycerides: improves
  • High-density lipoprotein (HDL): improves
Fish Oil: outcomes studied for Weight Loss & Maintenance
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
5-HEPE

Moderate Increase

Improves (the measure goes up)Moderate effect50 people
TriglyceridesImproves (the measure goes down)24 studies93 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)Improves (the measure goes up)7 studies93 people
WeightImproves (the measure goes down)7 studies145 people
C-Reactive Protein (CRP)Improves (the measure goes down)4 studies93 people
InsulinChanges; see studies4 studies93 people
Blood PressureImproves (the measure goes down)2 studies93 people
TNF-AlphaImproves (the measure goes down)2 studies93 people
5-HETEImproves (the measure goes up)1 study50 people
Muscle MassImproves (the measure goes up)1 study93 people
AdiponectinImproves (the measure goes up)93 people
Blood glucoseImproves (the measure goes down)93 people
Glycemic ControlImproves (the measure goes up)93 people
Ketone BodiesImproves (the measure goes up)20 people
LeptinImproves (the measure goes up)93 people
Leukotriene B4Improves (the measure goes up)50 people

Moro Orange Extract

  • Body Fat: improves
  • Weight: improves
  • Muscle Mass: improves
Moro Orange Extract: outcomes studied for Weight Loss & Maintenance
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
Body Fat

Small Decrease

Improves (the measure goes down)Small effect169 people
WeightImproves (the measure goes down)1 study229 people
Muscle MassImproves (the measure goes up)169 people
Waist circumferenceImproves (the measure goes down)229 people

Green Tea Extract

  • Adiponectin: improves
  • Weight: improves
  • Fat Oxidation: improves
Green Tea Extract: outcomes studied for Weight Loss & Maintenance
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
Adiponectin

Small Increase

Improves (the measure goes up)Small effect78 people
WeightImproves (the measure goes down)6 studies1,562 people
Fat OxidationImproves (the measure goes up)5 studies6 people
Body FatImproves (the measure goes down)2 studies79 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)Improves (the measure goes up)1 study132 people
LeptinImproves (the measure goes up)1 study927 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)Improves (the measure goes down)1 study78 people
Body Mass Index (BMI)Improves (the measure goes down)109 people
Food IntakeChanges; see studies79 people
GhrelinImproves (the measure goes up)927 people
Waist circumferenceImproves (the measure goes down)75 people
Waist-Hip RatioImproves (the measure goes up)109 people

Vitamin D

  • Body Fat: improves
  • Low-density lipoprotein (LDL): improves
  • Weight: improves
Vitamin D: outcomes studied for Weight Loss & Maintenance
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
Body Fat

Small Decrease

Improves (the measure goes down)Small effect165 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)Improves (the measure goes down)3 studies165 people
WeightImproves (the measure goes down)2 studies165 people
Parathyroid HormoneImproves (the measure goes up)1 study165 people
Metabolic RateImproves (the measure goes up)165 people
TNF-AlphaImproves (the measure goes down)165 people
TriglyceridesImproves (the measure goes down)165 people

Spirulina

  • Adiponectin: improves
  • Low-density lipoprotein (LDL): improves
  • Total cholesterol: improves
Spirulina: outcomes studied for Weight Loss & Maintenance
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
Adiponectin

Small Increase

Improves (the measure goes up)Small effect52 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)Improves (the measure goes down)5 studies52 people
Total cholesterolImproves (the measure goes down)5 studies52 people
Body FatImproves (the measure goes down)2 studies198 people
AppetiteChanges; see studies1 study52 people
IGF-1Improves (the measure goes up)1 study40 people
TriglyceridesImproves (the measure goes down)1 study52 people
WeightImproves (the measure goes down)1 study649 people
Body Mass Index (BMI)Improves (the measure goes down)748 people
C-Reactive Protein (CRP)Improves (the measure goes down)52 people
FollistatinImproves (the measure goes up)40 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)Improves (the measure goes up)52 people
Hip CircumferenceImproves (the measure goes down)52 people
Liver EnzymesChanges; see studies40 people
Muscle MassImproves (the measure goes up)92 people
MyostatinImproves (the measure goes up)40 people
Waist circumferenceImproves (the measure goes down)312 people
Waist-Hip RatioImproves (the measure goes up)52 people

African Mango

  • Blood glucose: improves
  • Total cholesterol: changes; see studies
  • Blood Pressure: changes; see studies
African Mango: outcomes studied for Weight Loss & Maintenance
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
Blood glucose

Small improvement in blood glucose

Improves (the measure goes down)Small effect40 people
Total cholesterolChanges; see studies2 studies40 people
Blood PressureChanges; see studies40 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)Improves (the measure goes up)40 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)Changes; see studies40 people
TriglyceridesChanges; see studies40 people
WeightChanges; see studies40 people

Brown Seaweed Extract

  • Blood Pressure: improves
  • Liver Enzymes: changes; see studies
  • C-Reactive Protein (CRP): changes; see studies
Brown Seaweed Extract: outcomes studied for Weight Loss & Maintenance
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
Blood Pressure

Small Improvement

Improves (the measure goes down)Small effect151 people
Liver EnzymesChanges; see studies1 study151 people
C-Reactive Protein (CRP)Changes; see studies151 people
Liver FatChanges; see studies151 people
Metabolic RateImproves (the measure goes up)151 people
TriglyceridesChanges; see studies151 people
WeightChanges; see studies151 people

Creatine

  • Body Fat: improves
  • Muscle Mass: improves
  • Myostatin: improves
Creatine: outcomes studied for Weight Loss & Maintenance
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
Body Fat

Small Decrease

Improves (the measure goes down)Small effect19 people
Muscle MassImproves (the measure goes up)5 studies46 people
MyostatinImproves (the measure goes up)27 people

Astaxanthin

  • Adiponectin: improves
  • Total cholesterol: changes; see studies
  • Triglycerides: changes; see studies
Astaxanthin: outcomes studied for Weight Loss & Maintenance
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
Adiponectin

Small Increase

Improves (the measure goes up)Small effect61 people
Total cholesterolChanges; see studies2 studies61 people
TriglyceridesChanges; see studies2 studies61 people
Blood glucoseChanges; see studies1 study61 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)Improves (the measure goes up)1 study61 people
WeightChanges; see studies1 study61 people
Blood PressureChanges; see studies61 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)Changes; see studies61 people

Ginger (Zingiber officinale)

  • Appetite: improves
  • Blood glucose: changes; see studies
  • Inflammation: changes; see studies
Ginger (Zingiber officinale): outcomes studied for Weight Loss & Maintenance
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
Appetite

Small Decrease

Improves (the measure goes down)Small effect10 people
Blood glucoseChanges; see studies1 study10 people
InflammationChanges; see studies1 study10 people
Metabolic RateImproves (the measure goes up)1 study10 people
InsulinChanges; see studies10 people
Thermic effect of food (TEF)Improves (the measure goes up)10 people

Zinc

  • Body Fat
  • Insulin: changes; see studies
  • Interleukin 2: improves
Zinc: outcomes studied for Weight Loss & Maintenance
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
Body Fat

No effect

NoneNo effect1 study9 people
InsulinChanges; see studies1 study9 people
Interleukin 2Improves (the measure goes up)9 people
LeptinImproves (the measure goes up)9 people
Serum DHEAImproves (the measure goes up)9 people
TNF-AlphaImproves (the measure goes down)9 people

Quercetin

  • Blood Pressure
  • Fat Oxidation: improves
  • Metabolic Rate: improves
Quercetin: outcomes studied for Weight Loss & Maintenance
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
Blood Pressure

No effect

NoneNo effect1 study6 people
Fat OxidationImproves (the measure goes up)6 people
Metabolic RateImproves (the measure goes up)6 people

Vitamin C

  • Body Fat
  • Weight: improves
Vitamin C: outcomes studied for Weight Loss & Maintenance
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
Body Fat

No effect

NoneNo effect1 study941 people
WeightImproves (the measure goes down)1 study941 people

Conjugated Linoleic Acid

  • Appetite
  • Body Fat: improves
  • High-density lipoprotein (HDL): improves
Conjugated Linoleic Acid: outcomes studied for Weight Loss & Maintenance
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
Appetite

No effect

NoneNo effect1 study54 people
Body FatImproves (the measure goes down)7 studies652 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)Improves (the measure goes up)6 studies53 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)Improves (the measure goes down)6 studies53 people
WeightImproves (the measure goes down)6 studies559 people
Muscle MassImproves (the measure goes up)5 studies456 people
Glycemic ControlImproves (the measure goes up)4 studies75 people
Blood PressureImproves (the measure goes down)2 studies35 people
Liver EnzymesChanges; see studies2 studies134 people
HbA1cImproves (the measure goes down)1 study35 people
Blood glucoseImproves (the measure goes down)187 people
Bone Mineral DensityImproves (the measure goes up)134 people
InsulinChanges; see studies53 people
Metabolic RateImproves (the measure goes up)94 people
Subjective Well-BeingImproves (the measure goes up)40 people

HMB

  • Body Fat
  • Muscle Mass: improves
  • Liver Enzymes: changes; see studies
HMB: outcomes studied for Weight Loss & Maintenance
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
Body Fat

No effect

NoneNo effect1 study77 people
Muscle MassImproves (the measure goes up)8 studies77 people
Liver EnzymesChanges; see studies1 study40 people
Muscle DamageChanges; see studies1 study37 people
Bone Mineral DensityImproves (the measure goes up)40 people
Fatigue SymptomsImproves (the measure goes down)37 people
Food IntakeChanges; see studies77 people

Chia seeds

  • Blood glucose
  • Blood Pressure: improves
  • C-Reactive Protein (CRP): improves
Chia seeds: outcomes studied for Weight Loss & Maintenance
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
Blood glucose

No effect

NoneNo effect1 study76 people
Blood PressureImproves (the measure goes down)1 study76 people
C-Reactive Protein (CRP)Improves (the measure goes down)1 study76 people
Total cholesterolImproves (the measure goes down)1 study76 people
TriglyceridesImproves (the measure goes down)1 study76 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)Improves (the measure goes up)76 people
InflammationImproves (the measure goes down)76 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)Improves (the measure goes down)76 people

Nicotine

  • Fat Oxidation
  • Metabolic Rate: improves
Nicotine: outcomes studied for Weight Loss & Maintenance
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
Fat Oxidation

No effect

NoneNo effect1 study12 people
Metabolic RateImproves (the measure goes up)12 people

Capsaicin

  • Blood Pressure
  • Food Intake: changes; see studies
Capsaicin: outcomes studied for Weight Loss & Maintenance
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
Blood Pressure

No effect

NoneNo effect1 study16 people
Food IntakeChanges; see studies16 people

Folic Acid (Vitamin B9)

  • Body Mass Index (BMI)
  • Weight: improves
Folic Acid (Vitamin B9): outcomes studied for Weight Loss & Maintenance
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
Body Mass Index (BMI)

No effect

NoneNo effect1 study409 people
WeightImproves (the measure goes down)409 people

Pyruvate

  • Body Fat
  • Weight: improves
  • High-density lipoprotein (HDL): improves
Pyruvate: outcomes studied for Weight Loss & Maintenance
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
Body Fat

No effect

NoneNo effect1 study45 people
WeightImproves (the measure goes down)5 studies56 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)Improves (the measure goes up)1 study34 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)Improves (the measure goes down)34 people

Saffron

  • Appetite
  • Blood glucose: improves
  • Blood Pressure: improves
Saffron: outcomes studied for Weight Loss & Maintenance
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
Appetite

No effect

NoneNo effect60 people
Blood glucoseImproves (the measure goes down)6 studies138 people
Blood PressureImproves (the measure goes down)3 studies54 people
WeightImproves (the measure goes down)3 studies198 people
TriglyceridesImproves (the measure goes down)2 studies138 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)Improves (the measure goes up)1 study138 people
Body FatImproves (the measure goes down)84 people
Food IntakeChanges; see studies60 people
HbA1cImproves (the measure goes down)54 people
HungerImproves (the measure goes up)84 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)Improves (the measure goes down)138 people
Muscle MassImproves (the measure goes up)84 people
SatietyImproves (the measure goes up)84 people
Total cholesterolImproves (the measure goes down)138 people
vLDL-CImproves (the measure goes down)84 people
Waist circumferenceImproves (the measure goes down)138 people
Waist-Hip RatioImproves (the measure goes up)84 people

Ursolic Acid

  • Blood glucose
  • IGF-1: improves
  • Body Fat: improves
Ursolic Acid: outcomes studied for Weight Loss & Maintenance
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
Blood glucose

No effect

NoneNo effect16 people
IGF-1Improves (the measure goes up)1 study16 people
Body FatImproves (the measure goes down)16 people
InsulinChanges; see studies16 people
IrisinImproves (the measure goes up)16 people
Muscle MassImproves (the measure goes up)16 people

Rose Hip

  • Adiponectin
  • C-Reactive Protein (CRP): improves
  • Glycemic Control: improves
Rose Hip: outcomes studied for Weight Loss & Maintenance
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
Adiponectin

No effect

NoneNo effect31 people
C-Reactive Protein (CRP)Improves (the measure goes down)3 studies31 people
Glycemic ControlImproves (the measure goes up)1 study31 people
Blood glucoseImproves (the measure goes down)31 people
Blood PressureImproves (the measure goes down)31 people
HbA1cImproves (the measure goes down)31 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)Improves (the measure goes up)31 people
InsulinChanges; see studies31 people
Liver EnzymesChanges; see studies31 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)Improves (the measure goes down)31 people
Total cholesterolImproves (the measure goes down)31 people
TriglyceridesImproves (the measure goes down)31 people
WeightImproves (the measure goes down)31 people

Coleus forskohlii

  • Appetite
  • Weight: improves
  • Muscle Mass: improves
Coleus forskohlii: outcomes studied for Weight Loss & Maintenance
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
Appetite

No effect

NoneNo effect30 people
WeightImproves (the measure goes down)3 studies60 people
Muscle MassImproves (the measure goes up)1 study30 people
Blood glucoseImproves (the measure goes down)30 people
Blood PressureImproves (the measure goes down)30 people
Body FatImproves (the measure goes down)30 people
Bone Mineral DensityImproves (the measure goes up)30 people
Hip CircumferenceImproves (the measure goes down)30 people
InsulinChanges; see studies30 people
Insulin ResistanceImproves (the measure goes down)30 people
TestosteroneImproves (the measure goes up)30 people
Waist circumferenceImproves (the measure goes down)30 people
Waist-Hip RatioImproves (the measure goes up)30 people

Chromium

  • Adiponectin
  • Weight: improves
  • Glycemic Control: improves
Chromium: outcomes studied for Weight Loss & Maintenance
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
Adiponectin

No effect

NoneNo effect25 people
WeightImproves (the measure goes down)12 studies174 people
Glycemic ControlImproves (the measure goes up)9 studies133 people
Blood glucoseImproves (the measure goes down)6 studies133 people
Muscle MassImproves (the measure goes up)5 studies108 people
HbA1cImproves (the measure goes down)4 studies66 people
Blood PressureImproves (the measure goes down)1 study25 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)Improves (the measure goes up)1 study91 people
InsulinChanges; see studies1 study108 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)Improves (the measure goes down)1 study66 people
Total cholesterolImproves (the measure goes down)1 study91 people
AppetiteChanges; see studies42 people
Body FatImproves (the measure goes down)154 people
C-PeptideImproves (the measure goes up)46 people
Food IntakeChanges; see studies42 people
ResistinImproves (the measure goes up)20 people
TriglyceridesImproves (the measure goes down)91 people

Ashwagandha

  • Blood Pressure
  • Stress Signs and Symptoms: improves
  • Body Temperature: improves
Ashwagandha: outcomes studied for Weight Loss & Maintenance
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
Blood Pressure

No effect

NoneNo effect52 people
Stress Signs and SymptomsImproves (the measure goes down)3 studies52 people
Body TemperatureImproves (the measure goes up)52 people
Subjective Well-BeingImproves (the measure goes up)52 people
WeightImproves (the measure goes down)52 people

Garcinia

  • Apolipoprotein B
  • Appetite
  • Weight: improves
Garcinia: outcomes studied for Weight Loss & Maintenance
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
Apolipoprotein B

No effect

NoneNo effect86 people
Appetite

No effect

NoneNo effect89 people
WeightImproves (the measure goes down)2 studies310 people
Food IntakeChanges; see studies1 study86 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)Improves (the measure goes up)86 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)Improves (the measure goes down)86 people
Total cholesterolImproves (the measure goes down)86 people
TriglyceridesImproves (the measure goes down)86 people

Inulin

  • Appetite
  • Bifidobacterium Abundance: improves
  • Liver Fat: improves
Inulin: outcomes studied for Weight Loss & Maintenance
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
Appetite

No effect

NoneNo effect43 people
Bifidobacterium AbundanceImproves (the measure goes up)1 study43 people
Liver FatImproves (the measure goes down)43 people
Visceral FatImproves (the measure goes down)43 people

Bitter orange

  • Blood glucose
  • Blood Pressure: changes; see studies
  • Weight: changes; see studies
Bitter orange: outcomes studied for Weight Loss & Maintenance
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
Blood glucose

No effect

NoneNo effect86 people
Blood PressureChanges; see studies9 studies75 people
WeightChanges; see studies1 study94 people
Metabolic RateImproves (the measure goes up)28 people

Licorice

  • Adiponectin
  • Body Fat: improves
  • Glycemic Control: improves
Licorice: outcomes studied for Weight Loss & Maintenance
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
Adiponectin

No effect

NoneNo effect44 people
Body FatImproves (the measure goes down)1 study44 people
Glycemic ControlImproves (the measure goes up)44 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)Improves (the measure goes up)44 people
InsulinChanges; see studies44 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)Improves (the measure goes down)44 people
Muscle MassImproves (the measure goes up)44 people
Total cholesterolImproves (the measure goes down)44 people
TriglyceridesImproves (the measure goes down)44 people
WeightImproves (the measure goes down)44 people

Caffeine

  • Appetite
  • Cortisol: changes; see studies
Caffeine: outcomes studied for Weight Loss & Maintenance
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
Appetite

No effect

NoneNo effect16 people
CortisolChanges; see studies1 study16 people

Safflower Oil

  • Body Fat
  • Muscle Mass: improves
  • Weight: improves
Safflower Oil: outcomes studied for Weight Loss & Maintenance
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
Body Fat

No effect

NoneNo effect35 people
Muscle MassImproves (the measure goes up)35 people
WeightImproves (the measure goes down)35 people

Milk Protein

  • Appetite
  • Food Intake: changes; see studies
Milk Protein: outcomes studied for Weight Loss & Maintenance
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
Appetite

No effect

NoneNo effect17 people
Food IntakeChanges; see studies1 study17 people

Fiber

  • Appetite
  • Liver Fat: improves
  • Bifidobacterium Abundance: improves
Fiber: outcomes studied for Weight Loss & Maintenance
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
Appetite

No effect

NoneNo effect43 people
Liver FatImproves (the measure goes down)1 study43 people
Bifidobacterium AbundanceImproves (the measure goes up)43 people
Visceral FatImproves (the measure goes down)43 people

DHEA

  • Body Fat
  • Estrogen: changes; see studies
  • Testosterone: improves
DHEA: outcomes studied for Weight Loss & Maintenance
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
Body Fat

No effect

NoneNo effect20 people
EstrogenChanges; see studies8 studies20 people
TestosteroneImproves (the measure goes up)3 studies20 people
Bone Mineral DensityImproves (the measure goes up)2 studies225 people
Muscle MassImproves (the measure goes up)2 studies20 people
WeightImproves (the measure goes down)20 people

Medium-chain Triglycerides

  • Apolipoprotein A
  • Apolipoprotein B
  • Fat Oxidation: improves
Medium-chain Triglycerides: outcomes studied for Weight Loss & Maintenance
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
Apolipoprotein A

No effect

NoneNo effect40 people
Apolipoprotein B

No effect

NoneNo effect40 people
Fat OxidationImproves (the measure goes up)3 studies58 people
Total cholesterolImproves (the measure goes down)3 studies372 people
Metabolic RateImproves (the measure goes up)2 studies12 people
Food IntakeChanges; see studies1 study291 people
Blood glucoseImproves (the measure goes down)430 people
Body FatImproves (the measure goes down)522 people
Glycemic ControlImproves (the measure goes up)40 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)Improves (the measure goes up)250 people
InsulinChanges; see studies430 people
Insulin ResistanceImproves (the measure goes down)390 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)Improves (the measure goes down)237 people
Respiratory Exchange RatioImproves (the measure goes up)29 people
Thermic effect of food (TEF)Improves (the measure goes up)12 people
TriglyceridesImproves (the measure goes down)372 people
Waist circumferenceImproves (the measure goes down)354 people
WeightImproves (the measure goes down)749 people

Black Chokeberry

  • Blood glucose
  • Total cholesterol: changes; see studies
  • Triglycerides: changes; see studies
Black Chokeberry: outcomes studied for Weight Loss & Maintenance
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
Blood glucose

No effect

NoneNo effect523 people
Total cholesterolChanges; see studies1 study477 people
TriglyceridesChanges; see studies1 study477 people
WeightChanges; see studies1 study343 people
Blood PressureChanges; see studies690 people
Body Mass Index (BMI)Changes; see studies377 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)Improves (the measure goes up)477 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)Changes; see studies477 people
Waist circumferenceChanges; see studies199 people

Curcumin

  • Apolipoprotein A
  • Blood glucose: improves
  • Triglycerides: improves
Curcumin: outcomes studied for Weight Loss & Maintenance
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
Apolipoprotein A

No effect

NoneNo effect80 people
Blood glucoseImproves (the measure goes down)18 studies160 people
TriglyceridesImproves (the measure goes down)9 studies190 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)Improves (the measure goes down)5 studies190 people
WeightImproves (the measure goes down)5 studies949 people
Total cholesterolImproves (the measure goes down)4 studies190 people
Blood PressureImproves (the measure goes down)2 studies80 people
InsulinChanges; see studies2 studies160 people
Liver FatImproves (the measure goes down)1 study80 people
Apolipoprotein BImproves (the measure goes down)80 people
Body FatImproves (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
CortisolImproves (the measure goes down)80 people
Glycemic ControlImproves (the measure goes up)160 people
HbA1cImproves (the measure goes down)80 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)Improves (the measure goes up)190 people
Hip CircumferenceImproves (the measure goes down)105 people
Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC)Improves (the measure goes up)80 people
Waist circumferenceImproves (the measure goes down)419 people
Waist-Hip RatioImproves (the measure goes up)117 people

Betaine

  • Blood glucose
  • Homocysteine: changes; see studies
  • Total cholesterol: changes; see studies
Betaine: outcomes studied for Weight Loss & Maintenance
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
Blood glucose

No effect

NoneNo effect42 people
HomocysteineChanges; see studies4 studies42 people
Total cholesterolChanges; see studies1 study42 people
WeightChanges; see studies1 study42 people
Blood PressureChanges; see studies42 people
Body FatChanges; see studies42 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)Improves (the measure goes up)42 people
Kidney FunctionImproves (the measure goes up)42 people
Liver EnzymesChanges; see studies42 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)Changes; see studies42 people
Metabolic RateImproves (the measure goes up)42 people
Serum FolateImproves (the measure goes up)42 people
Thyroid-Stimulating HormoneImproves (the measure goes up)42 people
TriglyceridesChanges; see studies42 people

Ephedrine

  • Weight: improves
  • Metabolic Rate: improves
  • Body Fat: improves
Ephedrine: outcomes studied for Weight Loss & Maintenance
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
WeightImproves (the measure goes down)9 studies331 people
Metabolic RateImproves (the measure goes up)5 studies5 people
Body FatImproves (the measure goes down)1 study224 people
Blood Pressure

Small Detriment

Worsens (the measure goes up)Small effect274 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)Improves (the measure goes up)224 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)Improves (the measure goes down)167 people
TriglyceridesImproves (the measure goes down)57 people

ECA

  • Metabolic Rate: improves
ECA: outcomes studied for Weight Loss & Maintenance
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
Metabolic RateImproves (the measure goes up)2 studies20 people

Green Coffee Extract

  • Weight: improves
Green Coffee Extract: outcomes studied for Weight Loss & Maintenance
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
WeightImproves (the measure goes down)2 studies103 people

Calcium

  • Weight: changes; see studies
Calcium: outcomes studied for Weight Loss & Maintenance
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
WeightChanges; see studies1 study885 people

Key findings

  • AppetitePsylliumImproves (the measure goes down)
  • Food IntakeNonnutritive SweetenersImproves (the measure goes down)
  • WeightNonnutritive SweetenersImproves (the measure goes down)

The Weight Loss Maintenance protocol

2 primary supplements · 4 supporting supplements

See the full protocol

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Studies cited

15 studies from PubMed

  1. A randomized trial of a low-carbohydrate diet vs orlistat plus a low-fat diet for weight lossArch Intern Med · PMID 20101008
  2. 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 womenJ Clin Endocrinol Metab · PMID 12679447
  3. Adherence to Time-Restricted Feeding and Impact on Abdominal Obesity in Primary Care Patients: Results of a Pilot Study in a Pre-Post DesignNutrients · PMID 31766465
  4. A systematic review and meta-analysis of changes in body weight in clinical trials of vegetarian dietsJ Acad Nutr Diet · PMID 25620754
  5. A Mediterranean Diet and Low-Fat Vegan Diet to Improve Body Weight and Cardiometabolic Risk Factors: A Randomized, Cross-over TrialJ Am Coll Nutr · PMID 33544066
  6. Comparison of a Restricted and Unrestricted Vegan Diet Plan with a Restricted Omnivorous Diet Plan on Health-Specific MeasuresHealthcare · PMID 27417779
  7. Distribution of energy intake across the day and weight loss: A systematic review and meta-analysisObes Rev · PMID 36530130
  8. 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 trialEur J Nutr · PMID 25648739
  9. Effects of a Paleolithic Diet on Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled TrialsAdv Nutr · PMID 31041449
  10. Influence of Paleolithic diet on anthropometric markers in chronic diseases: systematic review and meta-analysisNutr J · PMID 31337389
  11. The effects of chicory inulin-type fructans supplementation on weight management outcomes: systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression of randomized controlled trials.Am J Clin Nutr · PMID 39313030
  12. Effects of canola oil on body weight and composition in adults: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis of 32 randomized controlled trials.Nutr J · PMID 40200305
  13. Effects of stevia, aspartame, and sucrose on food intake, satiety, and postprandial glucose and insulin levelsAppetite · PMID 20303371
  14. Thermogenic effects of commercially available plant preparations aimed at treating human obesityPhytomedicine · PMID 10589441
  15. Yerba Maté (Illex Paraguariensis) ingestion augments fat oxidation and energy expenditure during exercise at various submaximal intensitiesNutr Metab · PMID 25342955