The effectiveness of dietary polyphenols in obesity management: A systematic review and meta-analysis of human clinical trials

Dietary polyphenols have been postulated to be effective in preventing obesity through various multitargeted mechanisms of weight loss. A meta-analysis of recent clinical trials was carried out to evaluate the effectiveness of polyphenols in obesity management in adults through assessing obesity-related anthropometric measures. Forty-four articles with 40 randomised clinical trials published between 2010 and 2021 met the eligibility trial criteria. Pooled results showed that polyphenols had a statistically significant reduction in body weight, body mass index and waist circumference. No significant lowering effect on body fat percentage was reported. Subgroup analysis suggested that polyphenol intake significantly changed anthropometric parameters in subjects aged <50 years, in Asian populations, in patients with obesity-related health issues, for periods of ≥ 3 months, and at dosages of <220 mg d-1. Overall, dietary polyphenols show promise in the prevention and management of obesity for certain adults.