Nut consumption, body weight, and adiposity in patients with type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Abstract

Context: It seems that nut consumption does not lead to weight gain in the general population. However, fewer studies have explored this relationship in individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D).

Purpose: To synthesize evidence on the effects of nut (specifically, tree nuts and peanuts) consumption on adiposity-related measures in individuals diagnosed with T2D.

Data sources and study selection: Four databases were searched up to December 31, 2020. Randomized controlled trials that examined the effects of nut consumption vs a control diet on body weight, body mass index, waist circumference, and percent body fat were included.

Data extraction: The pooled effect sizes (p-ESs) and 95%CIs of nut consumption were estimated using random effects models.

Data synthesis: A total of 15 randomized controlled trials including 899 individuals were included. No significant effects of nut-enriched interventions were found for body weight (p-ES = -0.04; 95%CI: -0.16 to 0.08), body mass index (p-ES = -0.05; 95%CI: -0.17 to 0.08), waist circumference (p-ES = -0.02; 95%CI: -0.20 to 0.15), or percent body fat (p-ES = -0.03; 95%CI: -0.28 to 0.21).

Conclusion: Nut consumption has no effect, positive or negative, on weight or adiposity parameters in people with T2D.

Keywords: diabetes; obesity; peanuts; tree nuts.