Twelve weeks CLA supplementation decreases the hip circumference in overweight and obese women. A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial.

Study answer

What this study found

CLA did not reduce body weight, BMI, or waist circumference after 12 weeks. It significantly reduced hip circumference versus placebo (p=0.016209); 27/32 CLA participants vs 14/30 placebo participants showed hip circumference reduction (84.4% vs 46.7%; p=0.0017; NNT=2.65). This suggests a localized hip fat reduction and potential as a dietary supplement, though not a general weight-loss agent. Larger, longer-term randomized trials are needed.

Study & population

Double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial; overweight/obese adult women (BMI 28–42 kg/m^2; age ≥18) recruited at Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poland (July 2014–May 2015).

Intervention

Conjugated linoleic acid (3 g/day), 12 weeks, taken as 2 capsules three times daily with meals.

Key limitation

Small sample size and short duration; 62 of 74 randomized completed the study; dropouts may bias results; findings limited to overweight/obese women; adherence to diet and supplement not exhaustively controlled.

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Original abstract