Effects of dietary seaweed on obesity-related metabolic status: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

This article systematically reviews and meta-analyzes evidence from 11 human randomized controlled trials on the effects of edible seaweed supplementation on obesity and related lipid and glucose metabolism parameters in adults with overweight or obesity. The findings indicate that supplementation with brown seaweed, particularly in refined or extracted forms administered for at least eight weeks, significantly reduces body mass index (BMI), fat mass percentage, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels. No significant effects were observed on body weight, waist circumference, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, triglycerides, or glucose metabolism markers such as fasting plasma glucose, insulin, and insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). The bioactive compounds implicated include fucoidans, alginates, and polyphenols, though further well-designed studies are needed to clarify their individual contributions and efficacy.