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Comprehensive Review

Salt and obesity: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies

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Pages 265-277 | Received 22 May 2016, Accepted 17 Sep 2016, Published online: 06 Oct 2016
 

Abstract

Background: Existing research has investigated the association between sodium intake and obesity. We aim to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of reported evidence regarding the association between sodium intake and obesity.

Methods: Multiple electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar) were searched for observational studies published until August 2016. A systematic literature review identified 11 cohort and 21 cross-sectional studies.

Result: Among the 32 studies identified in the systematic literature search, only 18 cross-sectional reports had sufficient data to be included in the meta-analysis. Higher sodium consumption was associated with greater BMI (weighed mean difference (WMD) = 1.24 kg/m2, 95%CI: 0.80, 1.67; I2 =98.4%; p < .0001), and higher sodium intake was associated with 4.75 cm (95%CI: 3.25, 6.25; 90.8%; p <.0001) greater waist circumference (WC).

Conclusion: The present meta-analysis suggests that sodium consumption was associated with greater BMI and WC.

Disclosure Statement

The authors have no conflicts of interest.

Funding

This paper was supported by the School of Nutrition and Food Science, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences.

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