Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Effects of a Polysaccharide-Rich Hydrolysate Derived from Saccharomyces cerevisiae on Body Weight Reduction

Background: /Objectives: Obesity is a major public challenge globally, and pharmacological treatments, though effective, face important limitations related to access, cost, and adherence. Nutraceuticals have emerged as potentially safer, more accessible alternatives. A polysaccharide-rich hydrolysate derived from Saccharomyces cerevisiae (Stetikal®, Lipigo®) has shown promise in clincal trials, but no systematic reviews have been conducted. Methods: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis following Cochrane protocols and PRISMA guidelines. The study was prospectively registered in PROSPERO (CRD420251024965). We searched Pubmed, SciELO, ClinicalTrials.gov, CENTRAL, and EMBASE (April 2025) for blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled trials evaluating this hydrolysate in overweight or obese adults. Abstract screening, study selection, data extraction, risk of bias assessment (RoB-2), were performed independently by five reviewers. Outcomes included body weight, BMI, abdominal circumference and fat mass. Results: Three eligible studies comprising 273 participants were included. The meta-analysis showed significant reductions in body weight (SMD = -2.35 kg), BMI (SMD = -2.47 kg/m2), abdominal circumference (SMD = -3.15 cm), and fat mass (SMD = -0.76 kg), all favoring the intervention. Heterogeneity was high for most outcomes, except for abdominal circumference (I2 = 0%). Risk of bias was deemed low in all studies. Conclusions: This systematic review and meta-analysis support the clinical efficacy of a polysaccharide -rich hydrolysate derived from Saccharomyces cerevisiae for short-term weight loss and adiposity reduction. While modest, the observed benefits are comparable to those of conventional pharmacological treatments and suggest that this nutraceutical could serve as a cost-effective, accessible complement or alternative for obesity management.