The role of seaweed-derived natural components in obesity: A systematic review

Obesity results from an imbalance between energy intake and expenditure, with over-processed foods and sedentary lifestyles being key contributors to the growing global obesity epidemic. This condition has numerous complications like hypertension, diabetes, fatty liver, and reproductive disorders, significantly endangering human health. Preventing and addressing obesity-related health issues have become a primary focus of health research. As promising anti-obesity drug candidates, seaweeds have attracted increasing researcher interest because of their abundant bioactive secondary metabolites with disease-treating properties. Specifically, a number of studies have confirmed the anti-obesity potential of bioactive secondary metabolites derived from seaweeds. In this review, the authors summarize the models of obesity and the potential of seaweed-derived bioactive components to treat obesity-related disorders.