Influence of Paleolithic diet on anthropometric markers in chronic diseases: systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Background The Paleolithic diet has been studied in the scope of prevention and control of chronic noncommunicable diseases (CNCD). The objective of this study was to analyze the influence of the Paleolithic diet on the prevention and control of CNCD in humans, specifically on anthropometric markers, through a systematic review with meta-analysis. Methods What is the effect of the Paleolithic diet on anthropometric parameters (weight, body mass index and waist circumference) compared to other control diets based on recommendations in adults? We included only randomized studies with humans that used the Paleolithic Diet in the prevention and control of CNCD published in Portuguese, English or Spanish. The search period was until March 2019, in the LILACS, PubMed, Scielo, Science Direct, Medline, Web of Science and Scopus databases. The abstracts were evaluated by two researchers. We found 1224 articles, of which 24 were selected and 11 were included in the meta-analysis. The effect of dietary use on body weight, body mass index and waist circumference was evaluated. Results The summary of the effect showed a loss of − 3.52 kg in the mean weight (CI 95%: − 5.26; − 1.79; p < 0,001; I 2 = 24%) of people who adopted the Paleolithic diet compared to diets based on recommendations. The analysis showed a positive association of adopting the Paleolithic diet in relation to weight loss. The effect was significant on weight, body mass index and waist circumference. Conclusion The Paleolithic diet may assist in controlling weight and waist circumference and in the management of chronic diseases. However, more randomized clinical studies with larger populations and duration are necessary to prove health benefits. Trial registration CRD42015027849 .

Participant characteristics and self-reported weight status in a cross-sectional pilot survey of self-identified followers of popular diets: Adhering to Dietary Approaches for Personal Taste (ADAPT) Feasibility Survey

“…Limited observational data on the long-term impact of following a Paleo diet on body weight exist, although a recent meta-analysis of eleven randomised controlled trials conducted over 2 weeks to 24 months suggests that the Paleo diet compared with the control diet led to greater reductions in body weight, BMI and waist circumference (16) . While sample sizes were small, these intervention diets typically eliminated added sugars and refined foods, while at the same time emphasising meat, fish and vegetables (16) .…”

“…A meta-analysis of twelve randomised controlled trials, with a median of 18 weeks duration (8 weeks to 2 years), found that people assigned to vegetarian weight loss diets lost significantly more weight than those assigned to non-vegetarian diets (36) . Limited observational data on the long-term impact of following a Paleo diet on body weight exist, although a recent meta-analysis of eleven randomised controlled trials conducted over 2 weeks to 24 months suggests that the Paleo diet compared with the control diet led to greater reductions in body weight, BMI and waist circumference (16) . While sample sizes were small, these intervention diets typically eliminated added sugars and refined foods, while at the same time emphasising meat, fish and vegetables (16) .…”

“…A variety of eating patterns have been reported to be beneficial for weight loss and reduced cardiometabolic risk, including plant-based (13) , Mediterranean (14) , vegan/ vegetarian (15) , Paleo (16) , low-carb (17) or gluten-free (18) . Given the high prevalence of overweight and obesity associated with typical US dietary intake patterns (19,20) , studying individuals who report long-term adherence to diets lower in refined foods, higher in fibre and containing more fruits and vegetables can provide important examples of lifestyle choices that may support higher dietary quality or healthier weight.…”

Paleolithic Diet—Effect on the Health Status and Performance of Athletes?

“…It seems to be difficult to imagine one basic diet covering the entire period from 2.6 million to 10,000 years ago (when humans began to cultivate plants (predominantly cereal grains) and domesticate animals) and people living in a wide range of climates and geographic regions. What is more, there are still few differing viewpoints and controversies about what Paleolithic hominins really eat, the ability to replicate the Paleolithic diet in modern times, and the degree to which the human genetic profile has evolved to handle foods in the modern diet (based on an assumption that the modern human is not evolutionarily adapted to contemporary nutrition, which may result in a high incidence of diseases considered civilization-related) [ 2 , 5 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 ]. As detailed by many investigators, agricultural revolutions have introduced foods that were absent or negligible in the Paleolithic diet: refined cereal grains and their products, nonhuman mammalian milk and its products, energy-dense nutrient-poor foods (readily available and inexpensive refined carbohydrates, as well as separated fats and oils, all taking a wide variety of forms), and legumes [ 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 ].…”

Paleo Then and Now: A Five-Year follow-up Survey of the Ancestral Health Community

“…The paleo diet, and lifestyle pattern (e.g., physical activity and sleep) that quickly followed, is produced by viewing modern health from an evolutionary perspective [2]. Clinical research has demonstrated beneficial effects of following a paleo diet [3,4]. Meanwhile, the paleo diet has since been labeled as a fad diet [5,6] and is surrounded by controversy [7][8][9].…”