Systematic evaluation of the impact of chia seeds on weight loss

Abstract

This review aims to assess the weight loss effects of chia seeds. Previous studies have documented contradictory findings on chia seeds and their impact on weight loss, hence necessitating a review to clarify this. The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the influence of chia seed consumption on weight loss in individuals participating in Randomised Control Trials. A systematic search was conducted in ClinicalKey, Cochrane, PubMed, Google Scholar, and Hinari. RCTs that investigated the impact of chia seed consumption on weight loss were included in this study, and data on study design, blinding, participant characteristics, chia seed interventions, and placebos were extracted and analysed. Seven studies were analysed. Four documented significant weight loss in the chia seed group when combined with a hypocaloric diet, while two studies indicated minimal weight loss when chia seeds were consumed alongside a normal diet, and one study reported no weight loss among participants on a normal diet and chia seeds supplementation. These findings suggest that chia seed consumption when combined with a hypocaloric diet, can lead to significant weight loss. However, further research with longer intervention periods is necessary to establish the efficacy and optimal dosages of chia seed supplementation for effective weight management. This review, therefore, notes the importance of dietary context in realising the potential benefits of chia seeds in weight loss and highlights the need for more clinical trials in this area.