The Effects of Curcumin Supplementation on Body Weight, Body Mass Index, and Waist Circumference in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

2025-11-10
Nutrition reviews 84(8)
- Noorbakhsh Alivand
- Soleyman Alivand
- Seyed Jalil Masoumi
- Sahar Foshati
- Ebrahim Abbasi

PubMed: 41211694
DOI: 10.1093/nutrit/nuaf193

Study Design

Type: Meta-Analysis
Sample size: n = 699
Population: 699 adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Methods: Systematic review and meta-analysis of 9 randomized controlled trials using a random-effects model

Context

Obesity is a prevalent comorbidity in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and contributes significantly to poor glycemic control and insulin resistance. Curcumin, a bioactive compound in turmeric, has shown potential in influencing body composition due to its anti-inflammatory and metabolic properties.

Objective

We sought to evaluate the effects of curcumin supplementation on body weight (BW), body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference (WC) in adults with T2DM.

Data sources

A systematic literature search was performed in the PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and ISI databases up to January 2024. Reference lists of relevant articles and reviews were also screened manually.

Data extraction

Two independent reviewers (N.A. and S.A.) selected randomized controlled trials (RCTs) based on predefined inclusion criteria and extracted data on BW, BMI, and WC changes. The Cochrane risk-of-bias tool was used for quality assessment.

Data analysis

Nine RCTs involving 699 participants were included. Pooled estimates were calculated using a random-effects model. Curcumin supplementation significantly reduced BW (weighted mean difference [WMD], -1.65 kg), BMI (WMD, -0.69 kg/m2), and WC (WMD, -0.93 cm). Subgroup analyses indicated greater reductions at doses >1000 mg/d.

Conclusions

Curcumin supplementation may beneficially affect body composition parameters in T2DM patients, particularly at higher doses. Further high-quality RCTs are warranted to confirm long-term benefits and clinical significance.

Systematic review registration

This review was not registered in PROSPERO.

Research Insights

Turmeric→Reduced Body Mass Index
Curcumin supplementation significantly reduced … BMI (WMD, -0.69 kg/m2)
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Dose
Various doses used; >1000 mg/d noted in subgroup analysis
Turmeric→Reduced Body Weight
Curcumin supplementation significantly reduced BW (weighted mean difference [WMD], -1.65 kg)
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small
Dose
Various doses used; >1000 mg/d noted in subgroup analysis
Turmeric→Reduced Waist Circumference
Curcumin supplementation significantly reduced … WC (WMD, -0.93 cm)
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small
Dose
Various doses used; >1000 mg/d noted in subgroup analysis