The relationship between calcium and obesity

Abstract

Dietary and behavioral approaches to obesity, a serious public health problem worldwide, have not prevented the progression of obesity. Scientists have explored the mechanisms of adipose tissue and intracellular calcium to find different therapeutic methods for obesity. Although the first step in the treatment of obesity is energy restriction, studies have shown that dietary calcium can play an important role not only in the regulation of skeletal integrity but also in energy metabolism. The anti-obesity effect of calcium has been demonstrated by animal studies, observational population studies and randomized clinical studies. However, some studies have failed to explain the effect of calcium in obesity treatment. Although the protective effects of calcium against obesity and comorbidities are promising, larger studies are needed. This review investigates the anti-obesity mechanisms of action of dietary calcium in animal studies, observational population studies, and randomized clinical trials.