Can avocado intake improve weight loss in adults with excess weight? A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Abstract

The effect of avocado (Persea Americana) on weight loss in people with excess body weight remains unclear. Therefore, we aimed to test our hypothesis that the intake of avocado pulp may be a good strategy for improving anthropometric parameters and, consequently, metabolic health. For this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) for studies published between database inception and July 2021. Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) assessing avocado intake on anthropometric parameters (primary outcome) and metabolic parameters (secondary outcomes) were included. Evidence from RCTs were synthesized as differences between standardized mean differences (SMDs) for change in body weight and body composition, comparing the experimental avocado group with control via random-effects meta-analyses. The risk of bias followed the Joanna Briggs Institute Reviewer's Manual. From 781 records identified, 8 studies with 657 individuals were included. No significant changes in body weight, body mass index, percent of body fat, or visceral adipose tissue in response to intervention was seen in the avocado group compared with the control group. Also, the pooled results showed no reduction in body weight and composition (SMD = 0.09; 95% confidence interval, 0.06-0.25; P= .25; I² = 0%) of avocado in comparison to control. Secondary outcomes showed some potential benefits in metabolic parameters, mainly related to lipid profile. Regardless, consumption of avocado did not promote weight gain, and further studies are needed to elucidate this effect. The PROSPERO register number of this study is CRD42021266488.

Keywords: Avocado; Non-communicable diseases; Obesity; Persea; Weight loss.