A Systematic Review of Dietary Supplements and Alternative Therapies for Weight Loss

This systematic review analyzed the efficacy of dietary supplements and alternative therapies for weight loss by evaluating 315 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from a pool of 20,504 citations. The study found that the majority of these trials had methodological inconsistencies and high risks of bias. Only 52 (16.5%) of the reviewed studies were classified as high quality, and among these, just 16 (31%) showed significant weight loss differences, ranging from 0.3 to 4.93 kg. The findings suggest that most dietary supplements and alternative weight loss therapies have limited reliable evidence supporting their effectiveness. The authors emphasize the need for more rigorous, well-designed clinical trials.

Based on the findings, individuals seeking to manage weight should prioritize evidence-based approaches like structured dietary modifications and increased physical activity over unverified supplements. Since many studies in the review had methodological flaws, relying on FDA-approved interventions or professionally guided weight management strategies is advisable.