1.
The effect of glucomannan on body weight in overweight or obese children and adults: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials.
Zalewski, BM, Chmielewska, A, Szajewska, H
Nutrition (Burbank, Los Angeles County, Calif.). 2015;(3):437-42.e2
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Glucomannan (GM), a soluble fiber derived from the plant Amorphophallus konjac, is marketed as being helpful in reducing body weight. However, the data supporting this claim are scarce. The aim of this review was to systematically evaluate the effects of GM on body weight (BW) and body mass index (BMI) in otherwise healthy obese or overweight children and adults. METHODS MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, and Google Scholar databases were systematically searched up to June 2014 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the effectiveness of GM versus placebo. The primary outcome measures were BW and BMI. RESULTS Six eligible RCTs, only one of which performed in children, were included. In adults, three RCTs reported a significant reduction in BW in the GM group compared with the control group at the following different points during the intervention: At week 2 (mean difference [MD], 0.21 kg; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.13-0.29); at week 4 (MD, 2.04; 95% CI, 0.52-3.56); at week 5 (MD, 1.3; 95% CI, 0.89-1.71); and at week 8 (MD, 3.17; 95% CI, 1.29-5.05). Only one RCT reported a beneficial effect at more than one point. None of the RCTs reported a favorable effect of GM on BMI. CONCLUSIONS In otherwise healthy overweight or obese adults, there is some evidence that in the short term GM may help to reduce BW, but not BMI. Data in children are too limited to draw any conclusions.
2.
Correction of data errors and reanalysis of "The effect of glucomannan on body weight in overweight or obese children and adults: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials".
Zalewski, BM, Chmielewska, A, Szajewska, H, Keithley, JK, Li, P, Goldsby, TU, Allison, DB
Nutrition (Burbank, Los Angeles County, Calif.). 2015;(7-8):1056-7
3.
Meal patterns and childhood obesity.
Patro, B, Szajewska, H
Current opinion in clinical nutrition and metabolic care. 2010;(3):300-4
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To summarize the literature concerning the relationship between meal patterns and childhood obesity. Literature searches of MEDLINE and the Cochrane Library were performed in October 2009 for studies published in the last 18-24 months. RECENT FINDINGS Available data indicate that not only meal composition but also some components that form a specific meal pattern can promote childhood obesity. Reducing meal and snack frequency, especially breakfast skipping, seem to be such components. On the contrary, limiting consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and snack foods (defined as high-fat, energy-dense foods) may be associated with a reduction in the risk of obesity. SUMMARY There is still much to be learned about specific aspects of the association between meal patterns and obesity. Although current knowledge does not allow one to draw any definitive conclusions, it provides a solid basis for further research.