Curcumin from Turmeric Helps People Manage Their Weight

With all the excitement about prescription drugs to promote weight loss, people have been looking for natural approaches that could be used for that purpose. A few years ago, scientists in Thailand conducted an umbrella review of 50 randomized controlled trials to evaluate whether curcumin from turmeric can help people lose weight. This summer, an international team published a meta-analysis of trials on turmeric or curcumin and weight in people with diabetes and prediabetes (Nutrition & Diabetes, Aug. 14, 2025).

Does Yellow Spice Help with Weight Loss?

When most people consider the bright yellow spice turmeric, they might think of curry. In recent years, the active ingredient in turmeric, curcumin, has also become a very popular dietary supplement. Many people take curcumin for its anti-inflammatory activity, to relieve the aches and pains of osteoarthritis.

A new meta-analysis published in Nutrition & Diabetes included 20 randomized controlled trials. The study reveals that curcumin from turmeric can also aid in weight control for people dealing with prediabetes or frank type-2 diabetes. (Curcumin also has a fancy chemical name, diferuloylmethane.) The investigators conclude that people taking curcumin were able to lose weight and reduce their waist and hip circumferences modestly. Body mass index did not change significantly, however, perhaps because that would have required greater weight loss to register as an important change. There also was more variation among the studies collecting data on BMI than among those looking at weight alone. At 1500 mg of curcumin/day, some study volunteers experienced itching, constipation and vertigo, while stomachache and nausea were reported at other doses.

The investigators conclude:

“Our analysis revealed that turmeric/curcumin ultimately led to significant improvements in BW [body weight], WC [waist circumference], FM% [fat mass percent], and HC [hip circumference] among T2DM [type 2 diabetes mellitus] patients.”

Keep reading to learn more about the precedents for this research.

Could Curcumin from Turmeric Aid in Weight Management?

In Thailand, as elsewhere in South Asia, about 80 percent of the population uses medicinal herbs. Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a common ingredient in curry, while curcumin from turmeric is a popular dietary supplement. Although turmeric contains a number of compounds, most scientists believe that curcumin is the most active one.

People in the Studies Took Different Supplements:

Among the studies in the analysis, there were three types of formulations: turmeric, curcumin extract or bioavailability-enhanced formulas (American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, May 2023). Participants in the trials ended up with lower body mass indices (BMI) if they took curcumin. That was most notable among those who were overweight to begin with. People with BMI measuring below 25 at the start of the study did not decrease that measure. Heavier people taking the supplement also reduced their waist circumferences more than people taking placebo pills. Bioavailability-enhanced formulations were most effective, especially when combined with lifestyle changes.

The authors suggest many possible mechanisms, but none has been proven. In addition, they point out that obesity is a complex problem, and simply taking curcumin pills does not solve it.

Does Curcumin Have Side Effects?

The investigators note that curcumin is generally recognized as safe, but they advise that people with gallstones should not consume it. Some readers have reported allergic reactions to this herbal product.

We recommend that anyone on anticoagulants, especially warfarin, avoid taking either turmeric or curcumin. Some patients have found that combining turmeric with warfarin can increase the risk of bleeding.