Obesity is a pandemic disease that poses a serious problem for the entire world population. Preventative and non-pharmacological treatments for obesity include changing eating habits and increasing physical activity. The use of certain dietary supplements also brings beneficial results in the process of reducing excess body weight. There are many options for the treatment of obesity available on the pharmaceutical market. This study aims to review the latest publications on selected dietary supplements in the treatment of excess body weight. Dietary supplements which support a reduction in excess body weight include capsaicin, bitter orange, white bean seeds, green coffee, berberine, and single and multi-strain probiotics. Some of these supplements have additional health benefits. Bitter orange has antioxidant and anti-ulcer properties. Berberine improves lipid metabolism and reduces blood glucose levels. Capsaicin has found application in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Supplements that do not significantly reduce body weight are chitosan and vitamin D. Chitosan can reduce blood pressure, while vitamin D improves the sensitivity of tissue to insulin. An increase in body mass index (BMI) is associated with an increased risk of many diseases, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, musculoskeletal disorders, and certain cancers. Dietary supplements with beneficial effects which support a reduction in excess body weight can be used in the treatment of both obesity and its complications.
Keywords: berberine; obesity treatment; probiotics; supplements.