The effect of chia seeds in medical nutrition therapy for adult obese women

Purpose The aim of this study is to determine the effects of 12-week chia seed use on body composition and blood parameters in adult obese women receiving medical nutrition therapy. Design/methodology/approach Within the scope of this study, 51 women with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 kg/m2 and above were given a medical nutrition program for 12 weeks. In addition to the medical nutrition program, the 1st group (n = 17) was given 20 g of chia seeds daily, and the 2nd group (n = 16) was given 40 g of chia seeds daily, while chia seeds were not given to the 3rd group (n = 18). Findings When the comparison of the anthropometric measurements of individuals between groups was examined, it was seen that between weeks 0 and 12, BMI and body weight mean were most different in individuals who consumed 40 g of chia seeds and least different in those who consumed 20 g of chia seeds. It was observed that body fat mass, body fat ratio, waist/height ratio and waist circumference mean decreased the most in individuals taking 20 g chia seeds (p 0.05). Biochemical parameters showed better improvements in individuals receiving 20 g chia seeds (p 0.05). Practical implications It was determined that adding chia seeds to the diets of obese women on a weight-loss diet has positive effects on both body weight loss and biochemical parameters. As long as the safe intake level is not exceeded, chia seeds can be included as an option in the medical nutrition therapy for obesity. Originality/value This study contributes to the literature by bringing a new perspective to the use of functional foods in obesity.