We are in the midst of a global obesity crisis, which currently affects over 500 million adults in both industrialized and developing countries( Reference Arbeeny 1 ). Although the health benefits of weight reduction are well-recognised, weight loss by diet and exercise fail in most patients( 2 ). Capsaicinoids are a group of natural chemicals found in chilli peppers that have bioactive properties which help to support weight management( Reference Luo, Peng and Li 3 ). The aim of the present study was to conduct a meta-analysis studying the potential effects of capsaicinoids on appetite, which may, in turn, from the basis of a natural, safe weight loss aid.
Medical databases (Medline, Web of Knowledge and Scopus) were systematically searched for papers. Search terms were: ‘capsaicin* or chilli’ and ‘appetite’/‘satiety’. Seven randomised control trials were found studying the effect on appetite, 4 of which provided results in format suitable to be combined in analysis. From the studies, 13 effect sizes were extracted and analysed.
Results showed that taking capsaicinoids prior to a meal reduced ad libitum EI by 393.95 KJ (94.09 Kcal) p<0.001 during the following meal. Although results should be viewed cautiously as heterogeneity was high (I2=80%).
Study findings suggest that regular consumption of capsaicinoids may contribute to weight management through reductions in EI. It has been shown that even small reductions in body weight (5%) can reduce obesity co-morbidities( Reference Seagle, Strain and Makris 4 ). Larger and longer trials are now needed but there does appear to be some potential for capsaicinoids to be used as a natural weight-loss aid, particularly when used in conjunction with diet and exercise.
Fig. 1. Forest plot showing combined effect size.
