Effect of Citrus bergamia Supplementation on Body Composition in Humans: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Recommendations for obesity management and prevention have come a long way.

ASGE EndoVators Summit: Defining the role and value of endoscopic therapies in obesity management

Brisk walking is the most popular activity for obesity management for adults. We aimed to identify whether participant age, sex and body mass index (BMI) influenced the effectiveness of brisk walking. A search of 9 databases was conducted for randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Two investigators selected RCTs reporting on change in body weight, BMI, waist circumference, fat mass, fat-free mass, and body fat percentage following a brisk walking intervention in obese adults. Of the 5072 studies screened, 22 met the eligibility criteria. The pooled mean differences were: weight loss, -2.13 kg; BMI, -0.96 kg/m2; waist circumference, -2.83 cm; fat mass, -2.59 kg; fat-free mass, 0.29 kg; and body fat percentage, -1.38%. Meta-regression of baseline BMI showed no effect on changes. Brisk walking can create a clinically significant reduction in body weight, BMI, waist circumference, and fat mass for obese men and women aged under 50 years. Obese women aged over 50 years can achieve modest losses, but gains in fat-free mass reduce overall change in body weight. Further research is required for men aged over 50 years and on the influence of BMI for all ages and sexes.

Evidence supports the potential application of polyphenols as agents against obesity. Pomegranate is one of the fruits that possess a high content of polyphenols. This systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) sought to evaluate the effects of pomegranate consumption on obesity indices, including body mass index (BMI), body weight, waist circumference (WC), fat mass (FM), body fat percentage (BFP), and fat‐free mass (FFM) in adults. Relevant RCTs were obtained by searching databases, including PubMed, SCOPUS, and Web of Science, up to May 2023. Heterogeneity tests of the included trials were performed using the I2 statistic. Random effects models were assessed based on the heterogeneity tests, and pooled data were determined as the weighted mean difference with a 95% confidence interval. Pooled analysis of 28 trials revealed that pomegranate consumption led to a significant reduction in body weight (WMD: −1.97, 95% CI: −2.91, −1.03, p < .05), and a significant decrease in BMI (WMD: −0.48, 95% CI: −0.76, −0.20, p < .05) in comparison with the control group. However, there were no significant effects on WC, FM, FFM, and BFP in comparison with the control group. Pomegranate consumption may yield a beneficial effect on body weight and BMI in adults. However, there were no significant effects on WC, FM, FFM, and BFP, by pomegranate consumption. Also, pomegranate consumption can reduce body weight, BMI, WC, and BFP in obese adults. Long‐term trials with different doses of pomegranate are needed.

Background: Obesity remains a major global health concern, affecting over 650 million adults and 340 million children worldwide, and is associated with increased risks of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cognitive decline. While lifestyle interventions such as diet and exercise are central to obesity management, many individuals with severe obesity or musculoskeletal limitations are unable to participate in conventional exercise programs. Electromyostimulation (EMS) has emerged as a potential alternative, using electrical impulses to induce muscle contractions and improve muscle strength, metabolism, and body composition. This review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of EMS in obese individuals by examining its impact on anthropometric measures (body mass index [BMI], total lean mass [TLM], skeletal muscle mass, body fat percentage, and waist and hip circumferences), functional capacity, and lipid and cardiovascular profiles based on currently available comparative studies. Methods: We retrieved relevant articles up to March 2025 from PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library. Data were extracted from eligible studies by two independent reviewers, including baseline information, age, gender, body mass, BMI, TLM, skeletal muscle mass, body fat percentage, hip circumference, waist circumference, 6-minute walk test (6MWT), basal metabolic rate, O2 consumption, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure, and maximal heart rate, as well as their biochemical profiles. The risk of bias (RoB) for all included randomized controlled trials was assessed using the RoB 2 tool by two independent reviewers. All analyses were conducted using R version 4.3.3. Results: After searching four databases, we collected 2704 records. Removing 1276 duplicates left us with 1428 unique records. After the eligibility assessment, 30 trials were included. This analysis highlights the value of EMS in reducing BMI (mean difference [MD] − −0.54, P = 0.0104), body fat percentage (MD − −1.25, P = 0.0026), P = 0.0049). Moreover, EMS increased skeletal muscle mass (MD high-density lipoprotein (MD 2.53, P = 0.0336). Conclusion: EMS is associated with modest reductions in BMI and body fat percentage and increases in skeletal muscle mass in individuals with obesity, particularly those unable to engage in conventional exercise. However, evidence regarding its effects on overall body mass and waist and hip circumferences remains inconsistent. Further high-quality randomized controlled trials are needed to define its clinical relevance and optimal application.

Ginger consumption may have an inverse relationship with obesity and metabolic syndrome parameters; however, clinical trials have reported contradictory results. To systematically review and analyze randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the effects of ginger on body weight and body composition parameters. Databases were searched for appropriate articles up to August 20, 2022. All selected RCTs investigated the impact of ginger on glycemic indices in adults. A random effects model was used to conduct a meta-analysis, and heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 statistic. Net changes in body weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), and percent body fat were used to calculate the effect size, which was reported as a weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The risk of bias was assessed. A total of 27 RCTs involving 1309 participants were included. The certainty in the evidence was very low for WC and BMI, and low for body weight and percent body fat as assessed by the GRADE evidence profiles. The meta-analysis showed a significant association between ginger supplementation and a reduction in body weight (WMD, -1.52 kg; 95%CI, -2.37, -0.66; P < 0.001), BMI (WMD, -0.58 kg/m2; 95%CI, -0.87, -0.30; P < 0.001), WC (WMD, -1.04 cm; 95%CI: -1.93, -0.15; P = 0.021), and percent body fat consumption (WMD, -0.87%; 95%CI, -1.71, -0.03; P = 0.042). The results of the nonlinear dose-response analysis showed a significant association between the ginger dose with body weight (Pnonlinearity = 0.019) and WC (Pnonlinearity = 0.042). The effective dose of ginger intervention for body mass reduction was determined to be 2 g/d in dose-response analysis. The duration of ginger intervention had a significant nonlinear relationship with body weight (Pnonlinearity = 0.028) with an effective duration of longer than 8 weeks. Our findings provide evidence that ginger consumption may significantly affect body composition parameters nonlinearly. More, well-constructed RCTs are needed.

ObjectivesObesity and overweight significantly impact public health. The benefits of water aerobics (WAs) have been shown in obesity and overweight people, but the effects of WAs on body composition improvement...

Background: Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is a naturally fermented beverage with potential metabolic health benefits; however, its effects on weight loss remain controversial. This systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted to assess the effect of ACV on anthropometric measurements in adults. Methods: We performed a systematic search of PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and CENTRAL up to March 2025 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in adults (≥18 years) evaluating the effects of ACV for ≥4 weeks on body composition parameters. Primary outcomes included changes in body weight, BMI, waist circumference, and other anthropometric measures. Risk of bias was assessed using the Revised Cochrane Risk-of-bias tool. Results: Out of 2961 reports screened, 10 RCTs comprising a total of 789 participants were eligible for inclusion in this meta-analysis. The pooled results using a random-effects model showed that daily ACV intake significantly reduced body weight [SMD: −0.39; 95% CI: −0.63, −0.15; p = 0.001; I2 = 62%], BMI [SMD: −0.65; 95% CI: −1.05, −0.26; p = 0.001; I2 = 83%], and WC [SMD: −0.34; 95% CI: −0.67, −0.02; p = 0.04; I2 = 61%]. However, no significant effects of ACV were observed on the other body composition parameters analyzed. Sensitivity analyses excluding high-risk-of-bias studies confirmed the robustness of ACV’s beneficial effects on body weight and BMI. Subgroup analyses suggested that ACV consumption significantly improved anthropometric parameters when administered for up to 12 weeks, at a dose of 30 mL/day, and in adults who were overweight, obese, or had type 2 diabetes. Conclusions: Overall, this meta-analysis suggests that ACV supplementation may be a promising and accessible adjunctive strategy for short-term weight management in adults with excess body weight or metabolic complications.

Effect of high-intensity interval training compared to moderate-intensity continuous training on body composition and insulin sensitivity in overweight and obese adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Whole-body vibration training (WBVT) is considered a time-saving, low-impact exercise modality that may aid in body mass management. However, the effectiveness of WBVT in changing body composition remains unclear. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the effects of WBVT on body mass, body mass index (BMI), and fat mass across different BMI and age categories. A systematic search of PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Embase, Scopus, and SPORTDiscus was performed to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the effects of WBVT on weight-related outcomes. Studies published up to December 25, 2024 were screened according to PRISMA guidelines, and risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane tool. Meta-analyses were performed using mean differences (MDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) under fixed or random-effects models. Twenty RCTs with 585 participants were included. WBVT alone had no significant effect on body mass (MD = 0.04), BMI (MD = -0.24), fat mass (MD = -0.90), fat-free mass (MD = 0.15), or body fat percentage (MD = 0.04%). Subgroup analysis by BMI showed no significant differences across weight categories. However, age-based subgroup analysis revealed that participants aged ≥50 years experienced a greater reduction in body fat percentage (MD = -1.79%) than those <50 years (MD = 0.46%; p = 0.008), suggesting a potential age-related effect. Overall risk of bias was rated as low to moderate. WBVT alone did not significantly reduce body mass or fat mass, but it remains a promising intervention due to its neuromuscular and metabolic benefits. Future studies should explore optimized WBVT parameters, potential metabolic adaptations, and synergies with other interventions to enhance its applicability in body mass management.

Almond consumption has an inverse relationship with obesity and factors related to metabolic syndrome. However, the results of available clinical trials are inconsistent. Therefore, we analyzed the results of 37 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and evaluated the association of almond consumption with subjective appetite scores and body compositions. Net changes in bodyweight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), fat mass (FM), body fat percent, fat-free mass (FFM), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), visceral adipose tissue (VAT), and subjective appetite scores were used to calculate the effect size, which was reported as a weighted mean differences (WMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI). This meta-analysis was performed on 37 RCTs with 43 treatment arms. The certainty in the evidence was very low for appetite indices, body fat percent, FFM, VAT, and WHR, and moderate for other parameters as assessed by the GRADE evidence profiles. Pooled effect sizes indicated a significant reducing effect of almond consumption on body weight (WMD: -0.45 kg, 95% CI: -0.85, -0.05, p= 0.026), WC (WMD: -0.66 cm, 95% CI: -1.27, -0.04, p= 0.037), FM (WMD: -0.66 kg, 95% CI: -1.16, -0.17, p= 0.009), and hunger score (WMD: -1.15 mm, 95% CI: -1.98, -0.32, p= 0.006) compared with the control group. However, almond did not have a significant effect on BMI (WMD: -0.20 kg m-2, 95% CI: -0.46, 0.05, p= 0.122), body fat percent (WMD: -0.39%, 95% CI: -0.93, 0.14, p= 0.154), FFM (WMD: -0.06, 95% CI: -0.47, 0.34, p= 0.748), WHR (WMD: -0.04, 95% CI: -0.12, 0.02, p= 0.203), VAT (WMD: -0.33 cm, 95% CI: -0.99, 0.32), fullness (WMD: 0.46 mm, 95% CI: -0.95, 1.88), desire to eat (WMD: 0.98 mm, 95% CI: -4.13, 2.23), and prospective food consumption (WMD: 1.08 mm, 95% CI: -2.11, 4.28). Subgroup analyses indicated that consumption of ≥50 g almonds per day resulted in a significant and more favorable improvement in bodyweight, WC, FM, and hunger score. Body weight, WC, FM, body fat percent, and hunger scores were decreased significantly in the trials that lasted for ≥12 weeks and in the subjects with a BMI < 30 kg/m2. Furthermore, a significant reduction in body weight and WC was observed in those trials that used a nut-free diet as a control group, but not in those using snacks and other nuts. The results of our analysis suggest that almond consumption may significantly improve body composition indices and hunger scores when consumed at a dose of ≥50 g/day for ≥12 weeks by individuals with a BMI < 30 kg/m2. However, further well-constructed randomized clinical trials are needed in order ascertain the outcome of our analysis.

Metabolic consequences of body size and body composition in hemodialysis patients

Management of prepregnancy, pregnancy, and postpartum obesity from the FIGO Pregnancy and Non‐Communicable Diseases Committee: A FIGO (International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics) guideline

We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the effect of programmed exercise for at least 12 weeks, in postmenopausal women on insulin sensitivity-related outcomes (ISROs), including fasting insulin, C-peptide, insulin growth factor (IGF-1) and IGF-binding protein (IGFBP-3), Homeostatic Model Assessment-Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR), and anthropometric variables. Searches were conducted in PubMed-Medline, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library from inception through May 3, 2016, for studies published in all languages. Extracted data included characteristics of the study design, study participants, intervention, and outcome measures. Types of exercise were classified into "mid-term exercise intervention" (MTEI, 3-4 months exercise duration) and a "long-term exercise intervention" (LTEI, 6-12 months exercise duration). Risk of bias in RCTs was evaluated with the Cochrane tool. We used random-effects models for meta-analyses. We adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Seven RCTS (n = 580) evaluating the effects of programmed exercise on ISROs were included. In three RCTs, MTEI significantly lowered insulin levels (mean difference [MD] -6.50 pmol/L, 95% confidence interval [CI] -11.19, -1.82, P = 0.006) and HOMA-IR values (MD -0.18, 95% CI -0.34, -0.03, P = 0.02) when compared with controls. LTEI had no significant effect on insulin levels (P = 0.19) or HOMA-IR values (P = 0.68) in four and three RCTs, respectively. There were no significant differences between exercise intervention versus controls in circulating IGF-1, glucose, triglycerides with both MTEI and LTEI, and in IGFBP-3 with LTEI. There were significant reductions in body mass index (BMI, kg/m) (MD -1.48, 95% CI -2.48, -0.48, P = 0.004) and in body fat percentage (MD -2.99, 95% CI -4.85, -1.14, P = 0.01) after MTEI; and in waist circumference after both MTEI (MD -1.87, 95% CI -3.02, -0.72, P = 0.001) and LTEI (MD -3.74, 95% CI -6.68, -0.79). Heterogeneity of effects among studies was moderate to low. Exercising for 3 to 4 months significantly lowered insulin levels and HOMA-IR values, BMI waist circumference, and percentage body fat mass; exercising for 6 to 12 months lowered waist circumference in postmenopausal women.

Background: The most important bottleneck in the management of obesity is a lack of a gold standard measuring tool. Although body mass index (BMI) is the most commonly used index to identify obesity, other indices such as waist circumference and skinfold thickness are more specific in measuring fatness. Objective: The objective of the study was to determine the agreement between BMI, waist circumference, and triceps skinfold thickness (TSFT) against body fat percentage calculated using 7-site skinfold thickness in South Indian adolescents. Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed in selected government-run schools in Chennai from May 2016 to October 2016. Schoolchildren of age 10–16 years without any medical illness which are known to cause discordant body proportions were included in the study. Sample size was fixed at 700. Date of birth, gender, and the anthropometric parameters, namely, height, weight, waist circumference, and skinfold thickness at triceps, chest, axilla, abdomen, thigh, subscapular, and suprailiac regions were measured by standard procedure and noted. Body fat percentage was calculated from 7-site skinfold thickness using Jackson-Pollock formula. Participants were classified as obese and non-obese based on BMI, waist circumference, TSFT, and body fat percentage using appropriate standards. Agreement between various indices was determined using Cohen’s kappa statistic. Results: BMI, waist circumference, and TSFT showed moderate agreement with body fat percentage calculated from 7-site skinfold measurement. BMI and TSFT showed substantial agreement (k=0.608 for BMI and k=648 for TSFT) with body fat percentage in girls and only fair agreement (k=0.366 for BMI and k=0.291 for TSFT) in boys. Waist circumference showed moderate agreement with body fat percentage in boys (k=0.523) and girls (k=0.575). Conclusion: BMI, waist circumference, and TSFT show moderate agreement with body fat percentage calculated from 7-site skinfold measurement in South Indian adolescents. Measurement of waist circumference is recommended to classify an adolescent as obese, especially boys.