{"id":31016,"date":"2025-08-29T15:38:11","date_gmt":"2025-08-29T15:38:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/31016\/"},"modified":"2025-08-29T15:38:11","modified_gmt":"2025-08-29T15:38:11","slug":"taking-turmeric-and-curcumin-helps-weight-loss-study-finds","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/31016\/","title":{"rendered":"Taking Turmeric and Curcumin Helps Weight Loss, Study Finds"},"content":{"rendered":"<ul data-node-id=\"0\" class=\"css-kw9lqy emevuu60\">\n<li data-node-id=\"0.0\">Turmeric was linked to a small increase in weight loss in patients with type 2 diabetes in a recent scientific analysis. <\/li>\n<li data-node-id=\"0.1\">Other research has linked turmeric to small amounts of weight loss.<\/li>\n<li data-node-id=\"0.2\">Doctors say the link still needs to be explored.  <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-journey-content=\"true\" data-node-id=\"2\" class=\"css-i9p093 emevuu60\">Turmeric and its active ingredient curcumin have been huge in health circles for years, with many people taking the supplements to lower the risk of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.prevention.com\/inflammation\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-vars-ga-outbound-link=\"https:\/\/www.prevention.com\/inflammation\/\" data-vars-ga-ux-element=\"Hyperlink\" data-vars-ga-call-to-action=\"inflammation\" data-node-id=\"2.1\" class=\"body-link css-inlxvj emevuu60\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">inflammation<\/a>. But new research suggests adding turmeric to your routine may help with weight loss, specifically for those with type 2 diabetes. <\/p>\n<p data-journey-content=\"true\" data-node-id=\"3\" class=\"css-i9p093 emevuu60\">The meta-analysis, which was published in the journal <a href=\"https:\/\/go.redirectingat.com?id=74968X1576256&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nature.com%2Farticles%2Fs41387-025-00386-7\" target=\"_blank\" data-vars-ga-outbound-link=\"https:\/\/www.nature.com\/articles\/s41387-025-00386-7\" data-vars-ga-ux-element=\"Hyperlink\" data-vars-ga-call-to-action=\"Nutrition &amp; Diabetes\" data-vars-ga-product-id=\"23ddb101-a01e-4bc9-98e0-59b4b40d288c\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" data-node-id=\"3.1.0\" data-href=\"https:\/\/www.nature.com\/articles\/s41387-025-00386-7\" data-product-url=\"https:\/\/www.nature.com\/articles\/s41387-025-00386-7\" data-affiliate=\"true\" data-affiliate-url=\"https:\/\/go.redirectingat.com?id=74968X1576256&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nature.com%2Farticles%2Fs41387-025-00386-7\" data-affiliate-network=\"{&quot;afflink_redirect&quot;:&quot;\/_p\/afflink\/xW9i\/nature-the-effect-of-turmeric-curcumin-supplementation&quot;,&quot;site_id&quot;:&quot;d55f98dc-cbd6-4679-ae11-243969f8c772&quot;,&quot;network&quot;:{&quot;name&quot;:&quot;Skimlinks&quot;}}\" data-vars-ga-product-price=\"$0.00\" data-vars-ga-product-retailer-id=\"bb2d0f55-11a0-4922-a973-76d7ca1b93f2\" data-vars-ga-link-treatment=\"(not set) | (not set)\" class=\"body-link product-links css-inlxvj e1aq0z090\">Nutrition &amp; Diabetes<\/a>, analyzed data from 14 studies on curcumin, type 2 diabetes, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.prevention.com\/weight-loss\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-vars-ga-outbound-link=\"https:\/\/www.prevention.com\/weight-loss\/\" data-vars-ga-ux-element=\"Hyperlink\" data-vars-ga-call-to-action=\"weight loss\" data-node-id=\"3.3\" class=\"body-link css-inlxvj emevuu60\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">weight loss<\/a>. Study participants were given a range of doses of turmeric, from 80 milligrams a day to 2,100 milligrams a day for eight to 36 weeks. The researchers found that people who took turmeric or curcumin supplements had an average weight loss of about 4.2 pounds compared to those who took a placebo.<br data-node-id=\"3.5\"\/><\/p>\n<p data-journey-content=\"true\" data-node-id=\"4\" class=\"body-tip css-1707dxl emevuu60\"><strong data-node-id=\"4.0\">Meet the experts<\/strong>: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.memorialcare.org\/providers\/mir-b-ali\" target=\"_blank\" data-vars-ga-outbound-link=\"https:\/\/www.memorialcare.org\/providers\/mir-b-ali\" data-vars-ga-ux-element=\"Hyperlink\" data-vars-ga-call-to-action=\"Mir Ali, M.D.,\" data-node-id=\"4.2\" class=\"body-link css-inlxvj emevuu60\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Mir Ali, M.D.,<\/a> medical director of MemorialCare Surgical Weight Loss Center at Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, CA; <a href=\"https:\/\/phmtox.msu.edu\/people\/alanjami\" target=\"_blank\" data-vars-ga-outbound-link=\"https:\/\/phmtox.msu.edu\/people\/alanjami\" data-vars-ga-ux-element=\"Hyperlink\" data-vars-ga-call-to-action=\"Jamie Alan, Ph.D.\" data-node-id=\"4.4\" class=\"body-link css-inlxvj emevuu60\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Jamie Alan, Ph.D.<\/a>, an associate professor of pharmacology and toxicology at Michigan State University; <a href=\"https:\/\/njms-web.njms.rutgers.edu\/profile\/myProfile.php?mbmid=dhk84\" target=\"_blank\" data-vars-ga-outbound-link=\"https:\/\/njms-web.njms.rutgers.edu\/profile\/myProfile.php?mbmid=dhk84\" data-vars-ga-ux-element=\"Hyperlink\" data-vars-ga-call-to-action=\"Danbee Kim, M.D.,\" data-node-id=\"4.6\" class=\"body-link css-inlxvj emevuu60\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Danbee Kim, M.D.,<\/a>, nutrition expert, weight loss surgeon, and assistant professor at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School<\/p>\n<p data-journey-content=\"true\" data-node-id=\"6\" class=\"css-i9p093 emevuu60\">This isn\u2019t the only study to link turmeric and curcumin to weight loss, raising a lot of questions about whether this is an approach to consider if you\u2019re trying to lose weight, especially if you have type 2 diabetes. But before you add any to your routine, there are a few things doctors want you to keep in mind. Here\u2019s the deal.<\/p>\n<p><strong data-node-id=\"7.0\">Why might curcumin help with weight loss?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-journey-content=\"true\" data-node-id=\"8\" class=\"css-i9p093 emevuu60\">It\u2019s important to get this out of the way first: Turmeric and curcumin supplements are not designed to replace medication that your doctor prescribes. \u201cWhen most people get to the level where they\u2019re requiring medications for type 2 diabetes or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.prevention.com\/health\/health-conditions\/a38595773\/what-is-insulin-resistance-syndrome\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-vars-ga-outbound-link=\"https:\/\/www.prevention.com\/health\/health-conditions\/a38595773\/what-is-insulin-resistance-syndrome\/\" data-vars-ga-ux-element=\"Hyperlink\" data-vars-ga-call-to-action=\"insulin resistance\" data-node-id=\"8.1\" class=\"body-link css-inlxvj emevuu60\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">insulin resistance<\/a>, they still need the medication,\u201d says <a href=\"https:\/\/www.memorialcare.org\/providers\/mir-b-ali\" target=\"_blank\" data-vars-ga-outbound-link=\"https:\/\/www.memorialcare.org\/providers\/mir-b-ali\" data-vars-ga-ux-element=\"Hyperlink\" data-vars-ga-call-to-action=\"Mir Ali, M.D.,\" data-node-id=\"8.3\" class=\"body-link css-inlxvj emevuu60\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Mir Ali, M.D.,<\/a> medical director of MemorialCare Surgical Weight Loss Center at Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, CA. \u201cThe effects of turmeric and curcumin aren\u2019t enough.\u201d<\/p>\n<p data-journey-content=\"true\" data-node-id=\"9\" class=\"css-i9p093 emevuu60\">But there is a precedent for turmeric and weight loss. \u201cThis supplement has been linked with modest weight loss for some time,\u201d says <a href=\"https:\/\/phmtox.msu.edu\/people\/alanjami\" target=\"_blank\" data-vars-ga-outbound-link=\"https:\/\/phmtox.msu.edu\/people\/alanjami\" data-vars-ga-ux-element=\"Hyperlink\" data-vars-ga-call-to-action=\"Jamie Alan, Ph.D.\" data-node-id=\"9.1\" class=\"body-link css-inlxvj emevuu60\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Jamie Alan, Ph.D.<\/a>, an associate professor of pharmacology and toxicology at Michigan State University. \u201cTurmeric is thought to work by reducing fat accumulation, although exactly how it works to do this is still a bit unclear.\u201d<\/p>\n<p data-journey-content=\"true\" data-node-id=\"10\" class=\"css-i9p093 emevuu60\">A scientific review published in the <a href=\"https:\/\/ajcn.nutrition.org\/article\/S0002-9165(23)46260-0\/fulltext\" target=\"_blank\" data-vars-ga-outbound-link=\"https:\/\/ajcn.nutrition.org\/article\/S0002-9165(23)46260-0\/fulltext\" data-vars-ga-ux-element=\"Hyperlink\" data-vars-ga-call-to-action=\"American Journal of Clinical Nutrition\" data-node-id=\"10.1.0\" class=\"body-link css-inlxvj emevuu60\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">American Journal of Clinical Nutrition<\/a> in 2023 found that curcumin supplements \u201csignificantly reduced\u201d body weight and waist circumference in people who took them. The researchers also noted that the effects were more noticeable in adults with obesity and diabetes. <\/p>\n<p data-journey-content=\"true\" data-node-id=\"11\" class=\"css-i9p093 emevuu60\">Another review published in the <a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC8775659\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-vars-ga-outbound-link=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC8775659\/\" data-vars-ga-ux-element=\"Hyperlink\" data-vars-ga-call-to-action=\"International Journal of Molecular Sciences\" data-node-id=\"11.1.0\" class=\"body-link css-inlxvj emevuu60\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">International Journal of Molecular Sciences<\/a> called out the potential of curcumin for weight loss, but pointed out that more clinical trials are needed before it can be recommended for weight management. <\/p>\n<p data-journey-content=\"true\" data-node-id=\"12\" class=\"css-i9p093 emevuu60\">\u201cSome research suggests turmeric\u2019s active compound, curcumin, may help reduce inflammation and influence how fat cells form and store energy,\u201d says <a href=\"https:\/\/njms-web.njms.rutgers.edu\/profile\/myProfile.php?mbmid=dhk84\" target=\"_blank\" data-vars-ga-outbound-link=\"https:\/\/njms-web.njms.rutgers.edu\/profile\/myProfile.php?mbmid=dhk84\" data-vars-ga-ux-element=\"Hyperlink\" data-vars-ga-call-to-action=\"Danbee Kim, M.D.,\" data-node-id=\"12.1\" class=\"body-link css-inlxvj emevuu60\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Danbee Kim, M.D.,<\/a> nutrition expert, weight loss surgeon, and assistant professor at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School. But Dr. Kim also points out that the effect seems to be \u201cmodest\u201d and isn\u2019t consistent across all studies. <\/p>\n<p data-journey-content=\"true\" data-node-id=\"13\" class=\"css-i9p093 emevuu60\">\u201cThe benefits may have something to do with turmeric\u2019s mild anti-inflammatory effect,\u201d Dr. Ali says. \u201cThere may also be some benefit to metabolism and fat-burning.\u201d But Dr. Ali also stresses that the impact of turmeric on weight tends to be mild. \u201cYou still need to eat the right things and do the right things to see weight loss,\u201d he says. <\/p>\n<p><strong data-node-id=\"14.0\">Turmeric side effects<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-journey-content=\"true\" data-node-id=\"15\" class=\"css-i9p093 emevuu60\">Turmeric and curcumin supplements are part of an unregulated industry (along with all supplements), making it hard to prove that what\u2019s on the label is actually what\u2019s in the bottle. But there are some potential side effects to keep in mind. <\/p>\n<p data-journey-content=\"true\" data-node-id=\"16\" class=\"css-i9p093 emevuu60\">The researchers in this particular analysis noted that some people experienced side effects like stomach aches, itching, vertigo, constipation, hot flashes, and nausea when they took turmeric and curcumin supplements. But Alan says that nausea tends to be the most common side effect of turmeric in general. <\/p>\n<p data-journey-content=\"true\" data-node-id=\"17\" class=\"css-i9p093 emevuu60\">Turmeric or curcumin supplements are generally safe within recommended amounts for up to two to three months, according to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nccih.nih.gov\/health\/turmeric\" target=\"_blank\" data-vars-ga-outbound-link=\"https:\/\/www.nccih.nih.gov\/health\/turmeric\" data-vars-ga-ux-element=\"Hyperlink\" data-vars-ga-call-to-action=\"National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health\" data-node-id=\"17.1\" class=\"body-link css-inlxvj emevuu60\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health<\/a> (NCCIH). The NCCIH doesn\u2019t say what those recommended amounts are, unfortunately, but Alan points out that most research looks at taking 500 to 2,000 milligrams of turmeric per day.<\/p>\n<p data-journey-content=\"true\" data-node-id=\"18\" class=\"css-i9p093 emevuu60\">The NCCIH also warns that taking curcumin products with increased bioavailability, which means they\u2019re more easily absorbed, may be linked to liver damage in some cases. <\/p>\n<p data-journey-content=\"true\" data-node-id=\"19\" class=\"css-i9p093 emevuu60\">Something else to consider, per Dr. Ali: \u201cTurmeric has been shown to promote <a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC10962410\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-vars-ga-outbound-link=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC10962410\/\" data-vars-ga-ux-element=\"Hyperlink\" data-vars-ga-call-to-action=\"kidney stones\" data-node-id=\"19.1\" class=\"body-link css-inlxvj emevuu60\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">kidney stones<\/a> and has a mild effect on blood-thinning.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><strong data-node-id=\"20.0\">Who shouldn\u2019t take turmeric?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-journey-content=\"true\" data-node-id=\"21\" class=\"css-i9p093 emevuu60\">There are a few groups of people who should avoid turmeric. Those with gallbladder disease, gastrointestinal reflux disease (GERD), and stomach ulcers should steer clear, given that turmeric may irritate the GI system, Alan says. <\/p>\n<p data-journey-content=\"true\" data-node-id=\"22\" class=\"css-i9p093 emevuu60\">\u201cPeople with liver problems, those taking blood thinners, or those already on diabetes medication should be cautious, since turmeric may increase risks like bleeding or low blood sugar,\u201d Dr. Kim says. \u201cIt\u2019s also not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding.\u201d<\/p>\n<p data-journey-content=\"true\" data-node-id=\"23\" class=\"css-i9p093 emevuu60\">Turmeric may also worsen liver disease, making it important to avoid it if you have any type of the condition, Alan says. And, of course, it\u2019s crucial to talk to your healthcare provider before taking a new supplement. <\/p>\n<p data-journey-content=\"true\" data-node-id=\"24\" class=\"css-i9p093 emevuu60\">Ultimately, doctors say turmeric may help a little with weight loss, but it\u2019s not the end-all, be-all. \u201cTurmeric and curcumin can play a small role in weight management, but they\u2019re not a magic fix,\u201d Dr. Kim says. \u201cFor most people, the best approach to improving blood sugar and weight is still built on healthy eating, physical activity, good sleep, and following medical guidance.\u201d<\/p>\n<p data-journey-content=\"true\" data-node-id=\"25\" class=\"css-i9p093 emevuu60\">Dietary supplements are products intended to supplement the diet. They are not medicines and are not intended to treat, diagnose, mitigate, prevent, or cure diseases. Be cautious about taking dietary supplements if you are pregnant or nursing. Also, be careful about giving supplements to a child, unless recommended by their healthcare provider.<\/p>\n<p>Related Stories<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Turmeric was linked to a small increase in weight loss in patients with type 2 diabetes in a&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":31017,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[277],"tags":[341,24520,343,18,346,135,19,17,590,508,24519],"class_list":{"0":"post-31016","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-nutrition","8":"tag-content-type-news","9":"tag-contentid-20eccf04-3eae-4f1a-b8c7-a683386bbb6a","10":"tag-displaytype-standard-article","11":"tag-eire","12":"tag-hasproduct-true","13":"tag-health","14":"tag-ie","15":"tag-ireland","16":"tag-locale-us","17":"tag-nutrition","18":"tag-shorttitle-this-supplement-was-just-linked-to-weight-loss"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/31016","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=31016"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/31016\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/31017"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=31016"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=31016"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=31016"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}