Complementary and Alternative Therapies for Weight Loss: A Narrative Review

Area of Science:

• Integrative Medicine
• Obesity Research
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Overweight and obesity are escalating global health concerns requiring effective treatments.
• Demand for safe and acceptable complementary and alternative therapies (CATs) for weight management is increasing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and evaluate the safety and efficacy of commonly used CATs for weight loss.
• To summarize recent findings on CATs for treating overweight and obesity.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature search of Scopus, PubMed, and EBSCO Host (2015-2019).
• Inclusion of systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in English.
• Focus on CATs used for body weight reduction in overweight and obese individuals.

Main Results:

• Eight systematic reviews/meta-analyses and 11 RCTs involving 765 participants were included.
• Dietary supplements (spirulina, chitosan, probiotics, EPA+DHA, vitamin D, fiber, herbal extracts) showed potential for small weight reductions (1-10 kg).
• Hypnotherapy and acupuncture yielded significantly greater weight reduction compared to placebo (p < 0.001 and p < 0.0001, respectively).

Conclusions:

• Certain CATs, including hypnotherapy, acupuncture, and specific supplements, may aid in weight loss.
• Evidence is limited by methodological shortcomings and adverse events associated with some supplements (chitosan, fiber).
• Further rigorous studies are necessary to confirm the efficacy and safety of CATs for obesity management.