The effects of garlic supplementation on weight loss: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

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#body-weight #dietary-supplements #garlic #humans #randomized-controlled-trials-as-topic

The effects of garlic supplementation on weight loss: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Mofrad et al., 2021 | Int J Vitam Nutr Res | Meta Analysis

Citation

Mofrad Manije Darooghegi, Rahmani Jamal, ... Mousavi Seyed Mohammad. The effects of garlic supplementation on weight loss: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Int J Vitam Nutr Res. 2021-Jun;91(3-4):370-382. doi:10.1024/0300-9831/a000607

Abstract

Obesity is related to increase in the incidence of morbidity and mortality. Studies have suggested anti-obesity properties of garlic; however, results are inconsistent. This systematic review and meta-analysis is done to summarize the data obtained from available randomized clinical trials on the effect of garlic supplementation on body weight, Body Mass Index (BMI), and Waist Circumference (WC). The online databases of Scopus, PubMed, Google Scholar and Cochrane library were searched until March 2018 for related publications using relevant keywords. Effect sizes of eligible studies were pooled using random-effects models. Cochran's Q-test and I2 index were used for assessing heterogeneity. We found 1241 records in our initial search, of which 13 randomized clinical trials (RCTs) with 15 treatment arms were included. Pooled analysis showed that garlic administration might significantly decrease WC (Weighed Mean Difference (WMD): -1.10 cm, 95% CI: -2.13, -0.07, P = 0.03, I2 = 0%). However, garlic intervention had no significant effect on body weight (WMD): -0.17 kg, 95% CI: -0.75 to 0.39, P = 0.54, I2 = 0%) and BMI (WMD: -0.17 kg/m2, 95% CI: -0.52, 0.16, P = 0.30, I2 = 44.5%) as compared to controls. From Subgroup analysis, it was ascertained that the effect of garlic supplementation on BMI was significant in trials with duration < 12 weeks (WMD: -0.58 kg/m2, 95% CI: -1.08, -0.08, I2 = 19.8%, P = 0.02) compared to those with higher duration (>12 weeks). The current meta-analysis results suggest that garlic supplementation seems to reduce waist circumference unlike body weight and BMI.

Key Findings

The current meta-analysis results suggest that garlic supplementation seems to reduce waist circumference unlike body weight and BMI.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Body Weight
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Garlic
  • Humans
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Waist Circumference
  • Weight Loss

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: garlic

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09