A systematic review of randomized controlled trials of dietary interventions for weight loss in adults in the Middle East and north Africa region

SummaryThe prevalence and incidence of obesity, and associated complications, such as type 2 diabetes, in the Middle East and north Africa (MENA) region rank among the highest in the world. Little is known about the effectiveness of dietary weight loss interventions conducted in the MENA region. We conducted a systematic review of randomized clinical trials aiming to assess the effectiveness of dietary interventions for weight loss in the adult population originating from and residing in the MENA region. In accordance with PRISMA guidelines, PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane, and EMBASE were systematically searched for randomized controlled trials (RCT) using dietary interventions for weight loss conducted in the MENA region. RCTs examining weight loss as an outcome in adults ( ≥ 18 years old) were included. The Cochrane Collaboration tool for assessing risk of bias was used to ascertain the quality of the eligible RCTs and the Template for Intervention Description and Replication for population health and policy interventions (TIDieR‐PHP) checklist was used to eva luate the reporting of the interventions. Twenty‐nine RCTs including 2792 adults from five countries in the MENA region met the search criteria. Study participants were predominantly middle‐aged females. Duration of follow up was mostly 3 months or less. Weight loss ranged from −0.7 to 16 kg across all intervention groups and the average weight loss was 4.8 kg. There was paucity of description of the weight ...
Source: Clinical Obesity - Category: Eating Disorders & Weight Management Authors: Tags: REVIEW ARTICLE Source Type: research