Comparative Effects of Different Beverages on Weight Loss in Adults: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis of Randomized Trials: Epidemiology and Population Health Publisher Pubmed

Summary: Best drink for weight loss? Study finds low-calorie sweetened beverages aid slight weight reduction—needs more research. #WeightLoss #Nutrition

Shahinfar H^{1, 2} ; Payandeh N³ ; Zeraattalabmotlagh S⁴ ; Torabynasab K⁵ ; Jayedi A^{6, 7} ; Ejtahed H⁸ ; Hasaniranjbar S⁸ ; Shabbidar S³
Source: International Journal of Obesity Published:2025

Abstract

Background: There is a lack of clarity on the comparative effects of different beverages on weight loss in adults. Objective: This study aimed at quantifying and ranking the effects of different beverages on weight loss. Methods: We searched PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science up to January 2023. We included randomized trials evaluating the comparative effects of two or more beverages, or compared a beverage against a control group (water, no intervention), for weight loss in adults. We conducted a random-effects network meta-analysis (NMA) with a Bayesian framework to estimate mean difference [MD] and 95% credible interval [CrI]. Results: In total, 78 randomized trials with 4168 participants were eligible. Low/no-calorie sweetened beverages (LNCSB) was effective for weight loss compared with water (MD: −0.79 kg, 95% CrI: −1.35, −0.18), milk (MD: −0.80 kg, 95% CrI: −1.59, −0.01), fruit juice (MD: −0.83 kg, 95% CrI: −1.47, −0.13), sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) (MD: −1.08 kg, 95% CrI: −1.65, −0.50), and no intervention (MD: −1.19 kg, 95% CrI: −1.93, −0.41). However, in sensitivity analyses, no significant effect was seen in trials with a low risk of bias and those that implemented calorie restriction. LNCSB drinking was effective for waist circumference reduction compared with water (MD: −1.85 cm, 95% CrI: −3.47, −0.22). The certainty of evidence from most comparisons was rated low. Conclusions: This study suggested evidence of low certainty that intake of LNCSBs can result in a small weight loss when used as a substitute for other beverages. Considering the low certainty of evidence, more research is needed to compare the effects of different beverages on body weight. Trial registration: Not applicable, but the protocol of this systematic review was registered at PROSPERO (registration number: CRD42023407937). © The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Limited 2024.