Smaller waist, less inflammation
- Published in
- Biol Res Nurs 2022
- People studied
- 1,246
In 6 trials with 1,246 adults with metabolic syndrome, a cluster of heart risk factors, diet and activity programmes took about 3 cm off the waist and lowered markers of inflammation.
- Checked against
- PubMed 34702086
- Published in
- Biol Res Nurs 2022
- Last checked
- 30 October 2026
Key takeaway
This pooled analysis of 6 randomised trials looked at 1,246 adults with overweight or obesity and metabolic syndrome, a cluster of heart risk factors. The diet and activity programmes lasted 6 to 12 months. Compared with control groups, they reduced waist size by about 3 cm, lowered the inflammation markers CRP and IL-6, and raised adiponectin, a hormone from fat tissue linked with better blood sugar control.
At a glance
- Type of study
- pooled analysis of randomised trials (meta-analysis)
- People studied
- 1,246
- How long
- 6 to 12 months
- Compared with
- control groups
- Main result
- About 3 cm off the waist, with lower inflammation markers.
- Strength of evidence
- Randomised trials
What this study does not show
Only 6 trials, all in people with metabolic syndrome, and the authors call for higher-quality research. The abstract does not say how much weight was lost.
Results from studies in groups of people, mostly in diet and movement programmes. They cannot be promised to any one person. This information is educational and does not replace a consultation with a doctor.
More on fat
- Less fat around the organsSmall or uncontrolled studies · Gepner et al., Circulation 2018
- Deep fat can go tooLong-term or observational studies · Verheggen et al., Obes Rev 2016
- Less fat inside the bellySmall or uncontrolled studies · Ross et al., Ann Intern Med 2000
- Lower inflammation markersRandomised trials · Esposito et al., JAMA 2003
- More exercise, less deep fatRandomised trials · Recchia et al., Br J Sports Med 2023
- Smaller waist, less inflammationRandomised trials · Rahimi et al., Biol Res Nurs 2022
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