# The Effects of Yacon Consumption on Body Weight and C-reactive Protein: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

## TL;DR

This study finds that yacon consumption may help reduce body weight, especially in older adults and women, but has no significant effect on BMI, waist circumference, or inflammation.

## Contribution

The study provides the first meta-analysis of RCTs on yacon's effects on weight and inflammation in adults.

## Key findings

- Yacon intake was associated with a significant reduction in body weight (-8.22 kg).
- Weight reduction was more significant in individuals over 40, women, and those consuming yacon for more than 8 weeks.
- No significant effects were observed on BMI, waist circumference, or C-reactive protein levels.

## Abstract

The rising global challenges of obesity and chronic inflammation contribute to an increased prevalence of metabolic disorders and cardiovascular diseases.

The goal of the meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was to assess the impact of yacon consumption on body weight and levels of C-reactive protein (CRP).

Online databases such as PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were searched until June 2024 to collect RCTs that investigated the impact of yacon consumption on body weight and CRP. Meta-analyses were conducted using a random-effects model, and the I2 index was employed to evaluate the heterogeneity among the RCTs.

Seven studies with a total of 246 participants were included in the study. The pooled effect size indicated that yacon intake was associated with weight reduction (weighted mean difference [WMD], −8.22 kg; 95% CI, −16.01 to −0.43; P = .039). In contrast, yacon consumption showed no significant effects on body mass index (BMI) (WMD, −1.48 kg/m2; 95% CI, −4.11 to 1.14; P = .268), waist circumference (WC) (WMD, −3.73 cm; 95% CI, −10.18 to 2.72; P = .257), and CRP (WMD, −0.07 mg/L; 95% CI, −1.96 to 1.81; P = .939). Subgroup analyses demonstrated that yacon consumption led to significant weight reductions in individuals aged 40 years and older, as well as in women and those who consumed yacon for more than 8 weeks. Additionally, yacon consumption was associated with reductions in BMI and WC in women and individuals aged >40 years. However, no statistically significant differences were observed for other factors.

The findings suggest that yacon consumption may contribute to weight reduction in adults, though effects on BMI, WC, and CRP remain uncertain.