Forget fads — new study finds an unlikely supplement that may power up weight loss

Reviewed by Dietitian Maria Laura Haddad-Garcia

Type 2 diabetes is a complex condition where the body battles to control blood sugar levels. It’s frequently connected to abdominal obesity and can result in critical health issues such as problems to the eyes, nerves, kidneys and heart. With more than 536 million people impacted globally in 2021 (and that number expected to rise), diabetes is a developing concern.

Managing diabetes is challenging, as no single treatment suits everyone. Traditional medications prices can be high or might have side effects, initiating researchers to look for safer, affordable choices. One natural thing that gains attention is turmeric, a bright yellow spice normally used in cooking. Its active compound, curcumin, has featured potential advantages for diabetes, obesity, and inflammation. However, study outcomes have been mixed. While some researches show promising advantages, others have found few to no effect, leaving its overall effect uncertain.


Due to these conflicting results, a latest meta-analysis was conducted to clarify how turmeric and curcumin impact body measurements in individuals with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. This study, published in Nutrition & Diabetes, is one of the most detailed reviews to date.

Study Methodology

The researchers made a comprehensive review of available studies concentrating on adults with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes, comparing turmeric or curcumin supplementation to a placebo. Studies on animals, pregnant women, or those blending turmeric with other treatments were not included. In total, twenty articles had the criteria for inclusion in the systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis.

The daily intake of turmeric or curcumin in these studies ranges from 80 mg to 2,100 mg, with study durations covering eight to 36 weeks. Interventions were divided as unformulated curcumin, high-absorption curcumin, or turmeric.

Key Findings on Weight and Body Measurements

• Body Weight: Fourteen clinical trials assessed the impacts on weight in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Turmeric or curcumin supplementation resulted in an average weight loss of 1.9 kg (about 4.2 pounds) when it is compared to the placebo. People with a BMI under 30 faced slightly greater weight loss, averaging 2.2 kg (4.8 pounds).
  
• Body Measurements: Among people with type 2 diabetes, turmeric or curcumin modestly minimized waist and hip circumference but had minimal impact on BMI and body fat percentage.
  
• Prediabetes: Three trials stated that turmeric or curcumin supplements taken for 22 weeks modestly reduced weight, with a little reduction in waist circumference. For example, individuals with prediabetes had an average weight loss of 2.5 kg (about 5.5 pounds) and a waist reduction of almost 3 cm (about 1.2 inches).
  

These results indicate that turmeric could aid modest enhancements in weight and body measurements, mainly in higher doses (over 1,500 mg/day) or with longer supplementation (more than 22 weeks).

Limitations to Consider

While the findings are promising, the research has some limitations:

• The quality of proof in several trials was rated as low or very low in regard to inconsistent outcomes, small sample sizes, and different study designs, doses, and time period.
  
• Self-reported data in some researches could introduce bias.
  
• Specific populations like pregnant women or those blending turmeric with other treatments, were not included, limiting generalizability.
  
• The impact of turmeric and curcumin were often optimal, so it should not be regarded as a “magic bullet” for weight loss or diabetes management.
  
  

Source: EatingWell

Disclaimer:The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and should not substitute professional medical advice. Always consult an expert healthcare provider before beginning any new supplement, mainly if you have prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, or using medications.

FAQs:

Q1. What is turmeric?
Turmeric is a bright yellow spice normally used in cooking and traditional medicine.

Q2. Can turmeric help with diabetes?
Research indicates turmeric and curcumin may modestly improve weight and body measurements in individuals with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes.