Obesity, Herbal Supplements, and Weight Loss: A Narrative Review of Efficacy and Safety

Elif Didem ÖRS DEMET

doi:10.64086/SusWel.2025.29

Elif Didem ÖRS DEMET, zeynep Göktaş

Year : 2025
Vol : 3
Issue : 2
Page : 175-197

DOI : 10.64086/SusWel.2025.29

Obesity and its associated comorbidities have become a major global public health concern, imposing a substantial burden on healthcare systems and socioeconomic structures. Although lifestyle modifications, including healthy dietary patterns, regular physical activity, and behavioral approaches, constitute the cornerstone of weight management, poor long-term adherence often leads individuals to seek alternative strategies. In this context, herbal supplements are widely used for their purported anti-obesity properties.This narrative review examines the mechanisms of action, efficacy, and safety profiles of several commonly used herbal supplements. Ginger has been associated with thermogenesis and appetite regulation; however, current findings remain inconsistent. Dandelion exhibits antioxidant and anti-adipogenic properties, yet human studies confirming these effects are limited. Garcinia cambogia may provide modest short-term weight loss, while concerns regarding hepatotoxicity persist. Guar gum and partially hydrolyzed guar gum may enhance satiety and improve lipid profiles; however, their roles in long-term weight control remain unclear. Guarana and yerba mate may offer metabolic and cardiovascular benefits due to their caffeine and polyphenol content, but further clinical evidence is required to substantiate these effects. Opuntia ficus-indica fiber extracts may promote modest weight reduction by increasing fecal fat excretion, although gastrointestinal adverse effects have been reported. Green tea, particularly its catechin epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), exerts multiple mechanisms affecting adipogenesis and energy metabolism, with hepatotoxicity mainly associated with concentrated extracts. Overall, while these supplements demonstrate various biological activities, evidence supporting their long-term effectiveness in weight management is limited. Sustainable lifestyle modifications remain the most reliable and effective strategy for obesity prevention and treatment.

Cite this Article As : Örs Demet, E.D., Göktaş, Z. (2024). Obesity, herbal supplements, and weight loss: A narrative review of efficacy and safety. Sustainable Welfare, 3(2), 175-197.

Description : Yazarların hiçbiri, bu makalede bahsedilen herhangi bir ürün, aygıt veya ilaç ile ilgili maddi çıkar ilişkisine sahip değildir. Araştırma, herhangi bir dış organizasyon tarafından desteklenmedi.Yazarlar çalışmanın birincil verilerine tam erişim izni vermek ve derginin talep ettiği takdirde verileri incelemesine izin vermeyi kabul etmektedirler. None of the authors, any product mentioned in this article, does not have a material interest in the device or drug. Research, not supported by any external organization. grant full access to the primary data and, if requested by the magazine they agree to allow the examination of data.

Obesity, Herbal Supplements, and Weight Loss: A Narrative Review of Efficacy and Safety, Review Article,
2025, Vol. 3 (2)

Received : 22.09.2025, Accepted : 16.12.2025 , Published Online : 29.12.2025