Unsaturated fatty acids do not have a favourable metabolic response in overweight subjects: Results of a meta-analysis

• Published in: Journal of functional foods 2018-04, Vol.43, p.123-130
• Main Authors: de Meira, Junia Elisa Carvalho, Crovesy, Louise, Santos, Anna Lúcia Andrade, Curioni, Cíntia Chaves, Rosado, Eliane Lopes
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Dietary fatty acids; Energy metabolism; Overweight; Unsaturated fatty acids
• ISSN: 1756-4646; 2214-9414
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jff.2018.02.008

[Display omitted] •Degree of saturation of fatty acids has effect on energy metabolism.•Monounsaturated fatty acids did not show greater lipid oxidation than saturated.•Lipid provides lower expenditure energy compared with carbohydrate.•Effect of unsaturated fatty acids on energy expenditure in obese is inconclusive. Degree of saturation appears to have different effects on energy metabolism, which can help weight loss. The aim of study was to evaluate the influence of meals/dietary fats on energy metabolism of overweight subjects. Systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted in the MEDLINE, Web of Science, Lilacs and Scopus database until January 2018 without language restriction. Randomized and controlled clinical trials with overweight adult subjects in whom evaluated diet or meal high PUFA, MUFA and SFA on energy metabolism was included. Study design, population, intervention and outcomes were abstracted from studies. Assessment for bias was conducted in identified trials. Data were analysed by difference between averages. Heterogeneity were performed and I2 values greater than 50% showed heterogeneity. Energy expenditure (EE) did not change when compared MUFA and PUFA with CHO and SFA. Based on the meta-analysis, there is no scientific evidence demonstrating that unsaturated fatty acids (UFA) present favourable metabolic response in overweight individuals. Lipid, regardless of the presence of unsaturation is a macronutrient that provides a lower EE compared to CHO. Scientific evidence did not sustain that unsaturated fats present favorable metabolic response in overweight subjects.