Low Fat-Diet and Circulating Adipokines Concentrations: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials Publisher



Soltani S¹ ; Meshkini F² ; Torabinasab K³ ; Razmpoosh E⁴ ; Toupchian O⁵ ; Zeraattalabmotlagh S⁶ ; Hemmati A⁷ ; Sadat Sangsefidi Z⁵ ; Abdollahi S⁵
Source: Diabetology and Metabolic Syndrome Published:2025

Abstract

Background: Low-fat diets have gained considerable attention in the management of obesity. The present meta-analysis evaluated randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to determine whether adults adhering to low-fat diets (≤ 30% of total energy intake) experience more significant changes in serum adipokine levels compared to those following high-fat diets. Main text: : A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and CENTRAL for eligible RCTs up to February 4, 2025. Weighted mean differences (WMD) were calculated and pooled using a random-effects model. Forty-eight trials were included in this study. The meta-analysis found no significant effects of low-fat diets on serum leptin (WMD = 0.06 ng/ml; 95% CI: -0.33, 0.45; P = 0.76; I² = 64.57%), resistin (WMD = -0.67 ng/ml; 95% CI: -1.52, 0.17; P = 0.12; I² = 86.53%), or adiponectin (WMD = 0.07 ng/ml; 95% CI: -0.29, 0.43; P = 0.76; I² = 90.29%). Subgroup analysis showed a significant decrease in adiponectin levels among females (n = 4; WMD = -0.47 ng/ml; P = 0.02; I² = 0%). However, low-fat diets with higher protein content increased adiponectin levels (n = 3; WMD = 1.78 ng/ml; P < 0.001; I² = 0%). Sensitivity analysis revealed that excluding the study by Heggen et al. (2012) resulted in a significant reduction in serum resistin levels (WMD = -0.93 ng/ml; P = 0.04; I² = 86.9%). Conclusions: Low-fat diets may have beneficial effects on resistin levels. Additionally, low-fat diets with higher protein content may increase adiponectin levels. However, due to the uncertainty of the available evidence, firm conclusions cannot be drawn. Further high-quality research is needed to confirm these findings. © The Author(s) 2025.