Abstract
Background: There is a lack of clarity on the comparative effects of different beverages on weight loss in adults.
Objective: This study aimed at quantifying and ranking the effects of different beverages on weight loss.
Methods: We searched PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science up to January 2023. We included randomized trials evaluating the comparative effects of two or more beverages, or compared a beverage against a control group (water, no intervention), for weight loss in adults. We conducted a random-effects network meta-analysis (NMA) with a Bayesian framework to estimate mean difference [MD] and 95% credible interval [CrI].
Results: In total, 78 randomized trials with 4168 participants were eligible. Low/no-calorie sweetened beverages (LNCSB) was effective for weight loss compared with water (MD: −0.79 kg, 95% CrI: −1.35, −0.18), milk (MD: −0.80 kg, 95% CrI: −1.59, −0.01), fruit juice (MD: −0.83 kg, 95% CrI: −1.47, −0.13), sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) (MD: −1.08 kg, 95% CrI: −1.65, −0.50), and no intervention (MD: −1.19 kg, 95% CrI: −1.93, −0.41). However, in sensitivity analyses, no significant effect was seen in trials with a low risk of bias and those that implemented calorie restriction. LNCSB drinking was effective for waist circumference reduction compared with water (MD: −1.85 cm, 95% CrI: −3.47, −0.22). The certainty of evidence from most comparisons was rated low.
Conclusions: This study suggested evidence of low certainty that intake of LNCSBs can result in a small weight loss when used as a substitute for other beverages. Considering the low certainty of evidence, more research is needed to compare the effects of different beverages on body weight.
Summary
The aim of this study was to compare and rank the effects of various beverages, including low- and no-calorie sweetened beverages (LNCSBs) on weight loss in adults.
This systematic review included 78 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving 4168 participants. The trials evaluated the comparative effects of two or more beverages (milk, fruit juices, sweetened beverages, and calorie-free beverages) or of a single beverage against a control (water, no intervention) on body weight, waist circumference and BMI.
In the main analysis, which incorporated all trials, LNCSB consumption was effective for weight loss when compared to water, milk, fruit juice, sugar-sweetened beverages, and no intervention and, according to SUCRA (surface under the cumulative ranking curves) values, LNCSB was the most effective beverage for weight loss. LNCSBs were also associated with a reduction in waist circumference compared to water; however, no significant effect was observed on BMI.
Overall, the findings suggest low-certainty evidence that substituting other beverages with LNCSBs may lead to small reductions in body weight. Given the low certainty of the evidence, further high-quality research is warranted to better understand the comparative effects of different beverages on weight outcomes.