Association between the Phytochemical Index and Overweight/Obesity: A Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Some studies suggest that a higher phytochemical index (PI) is associated with a lower risk of overweight/obesity. This meta-analysis is performed to summarize published studies on the relationship of PI and the risk of overweight/obesity. We searched on PubMed, Cochrane Library and Web of Science from the inception dates to February 2022. The random-effect model was used based on heterogeneity. Meta-regression was used to explore potential sources of between-study heterogeneity. Publication bias was evaluated using Begg’s and Egger’s tests. The dose–response relationship was assessed using a restricted cubic spline model. Nine studies were included in the meta-analysis, with a total of 100,753 participants. The meta-analysis showed that the phytochemical index was associated with a decreased risk of overweight/obesity. The pooled OR (95%CI) was 0.81 (0.74–0.90). The findings from dose–response analysis showed a nonlinear association between the phytochemical index and the risk of overweight/obesity. The results of the meta-regression showed that gender and area were significant covariates influencing the heterogeneity between studies. There was no publication bias in the meta-analysis of this study. In conclusion, although this meta-analysis indicates that a high phytochemical index is associated with a reduced risk of overweight/obesity, all the studies included in this meta-analysis were cross-sectional studies with high heterogeneity. As such, more data from randomized controlled trials are required to confirm the efficacy of PI in evaluating the risk of overweight/obesity.

Oxidative balance score and dietary phytochemical index can reduce the risk of colorectal cancer in Iranian population

“…To our knowledge, no previous study has assessed the association between DPI score and CRC. Regarding chronic disease, meta-analyses have revealed that higher adherence to DPI is associated with a lower risk of overweight/obesity [ 34 ], hypertension, hypertriglyceridemia, and metabolic syndrome [ 35 ]. In our study, participants in the highest DPI had a higher intake of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, fish, and poultry and a lower intake of refined grains than the lowest tertile.…”

Association between Phytochemical Index and Osteoporosis in Women: A Prospective Cohort Study in Korea

“…Several epidemiological studies have shown that higher PI is associated with a reduction in inflammation, hypertension, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and stroke [ 21 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 ]. A recent meta-analysis confirmed that PI is inversely associated with obesity and overweight, with higher PI levels being observed in groups with lower rates of obesity and overweight [ 27 ]. Given the promising findings associated with PI, it is possible to use this index to examine the overall effects of phytochemical intake on bone health.…”

Association between the Dietary Phytochemical Index and Lower Prevalence of Obesity in Korean Preschoolers

“…The dietary phytochemical index (DPI) is defined as the percentage of dietary calories derived from foods rich in phytochemicals [20]; a higher DPI is strongly associated with a lower prevalence of overweight/obesity [21][22][23], cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome [24], and cancer [20]. A meta-analysis revealed that a lower DPI decreases the risk of overweight/obesity by 19% (95% confidence interval [8]: 0.74-0.90) [21]. However, the results demonstrated significant heterogeneity according to age, sex, and obesity criteria [21].…”

“…A meta-analysis revealed that a lower DPI decreases the risk of overweight/obesity by 19% (95% confidence interval [8]: 0.74-0.90) [21]. However, the results demonstrated significant heterogeneity according to age, sex, and obesity criteria [21].…”