Association between Bitter Taste Sensitivity and Weight Status in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Alia Shareef1, Getahun Fentaw Mulaw2,3, Kruti Rathore4
1School of Allied Health, Sport and Social Work, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland 4222, Australia.
Nutrition Reviews
|August 28, 2025
Summary
Bitter taste sensitivity does not significantly impact overall weight status in adults. However, it may influence how body fat is distributed, suggesting a nuanced role in weight management strategies.
Area of Science:
- Nutrition Science
- Human Physiology
- Genetics
Background:
- Bitter taste perception influences dietary habits and food consumption.
- Existing research on the link between bitter taste sensitivity and body weight is inconclusive.
- Understanding this relationship is crucial for developing effective weight management and dietary strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and meta-analyze the association between bitter taste sensitivity and adult weight status.
- To explore potential moderators of this relationship using meta-regression.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive meta-analysis and meta-regression were conducted.
- Systematic literature searches were performed across major scientific databases (EMBASE, MEDLINE, CINAHL, Scopus, PsycInfo) up to March 2024.
- Data from 27 studies involving healthy adults were analyzed, assessing taste sensitivity and anthropometric measures.
Main Results:
- No significant association was found between bitter taste sensitivity and overall weight status (Cohen's dz = -0.02).
- Subgroup analyses did not reveal significant differences among non-tasters, medium tasters, and supertasters.
- Meta-regression identified the waist-hip ratio as a significant moderator (P = 0.004), indicating an effect on body fat distribution.
Conclusions:
- Bitter taste sensitivity does not appear to be a significant determinant of overall adult weight status.
- The findings suggest a potential role for bitter taste sensitivity in modulating body fat distribution.
- High heterogeneity and methodological variability underscore the need for standardized research protocols in this field.
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