The effect of psyllium consumption on anthropometric indices: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Abstract

Background The available evidence suggests that psyllium may have a beneficial effect on anthropometric indices. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the impact of psyllium consumption on various anthropometric indices, including Waist-to-Hip Ratio, BMI, Waist Circumference, and body weight.Methods We conducted a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials, searching databases such as Scopus, the Information Sciences Institute Web of Science, and PubMed for relevant articles published between March 15, 2022, and July 22, 2025.Results The review includes 27 randomized controlled trials that evaluate the effects of psyllium husk on the anthropometric parameters mentioned above in adults. The findings indicate that psyllium significantly increased body weight, with a WMD of 3.57 (95 confidence intervals: 1.43, 5.72; p-value < 0.05). However, there was a non-significant decrease in BMI, with a WMD of -0.06 (95 confidence intervals: -0.68, 0.55; p-value > 0.05), and a non-significant decrease in WHR, with a WMD of -0.10 (95 confidence intervals: -0.34, 0.12; p-value > 0.05). Additionally, there was a non-significant increase in WC, with a WMD of 0.72 (95 confidence intervals: -0.93, 2.37; p-value > 0.05).Conclusion In summary, this study found that psyllium significantly increased body weight.Registration The study was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences (IR.MUI.RESEARCH.REC.1402.090, Grant number: 140247). This research was registered in the PROSPERO system (CRD42023422744).