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 Publisher Pubmed

Summary: Could turmeric-derived curcumin help weight control in diabetes? A meta-analysis found modest reductions in weight, BMI and waist size; long-term benefit remains uncertain. #Diabetes #Nutrition

Alivand N ; Alivand S ; Masoumi S J ; Foshati S ; Abbasi E
Source: Nutrition Reviews Published:2026

Abstract

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. © The Author(s) 2025. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the International Life Sciences Institute. All rights reserved. For commercial re-use, please contact reprints@oup.com for reprints and translation rights for reprints. All other permissions can be obtained through our RightsLink service via the Permissions link on the article page on our site—for further information please contact journals.permissions@oup.com. This article is published and distributed under the terms of the Oxford University Press, Standard Journals Publication Model (https://academic.oup.com/pages/standard-publication-reuse-rights)