Nutraceuticals and Their Potential Relevance to Obesity: A NarrativeReview

The prevalence of obesity has increased in all regions of the world and is expected to continue. Obesity is characterized by excess energy intake and decreased energy expenditure; however, in the visceral area, it is associated with the development of metabolic diseases. Obesity has a multifactorial etiology, with diet and exercise being the most influential factors, due to excessive consumption of high-energy foods and a decline in physical activity. Therefore, the treatment of obesity must be considered from multiple perspectives. According to several studies, nutraceuticals may help improve their management. This review presents some nutraceuticals of plant and animal origin that, according to the sources consulted, may have beneficial effects on obesity, including reducing body and visceral fat, exhibiting antioxidant and antiinflammatory properties, and promoting insulin sensitivity, among others. This is why it is important to conduct additional clinical studies in humans, given the promising effects of this adjuvant treatment for obesity. These studies should consider genetic variability and other biological and cultural factors to determine the ADME characteristics of nutraceuticals, develop standardized methods to assess safe and effective dosages, and create regulatory frameworks that ensure methodological reproducibility and support their use in clinical environments.