Comparative effects of different beverages on weight loss in adults: a systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized trials

Abstract

There is a lack of clarity on the comparative effects of different beverages on weight loss in adults. This study aimed at quantifying and ranking the effects of different beverages on weight loss. 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]. 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. 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. Not applicable, but the protocol of this systematic review was registered at PROSPERO (registration number: CRD42023407937).