Conditions

18 health conditions with evidence-based supplement research

Explore health conditions with evidence-graded supplement recommendations. Each condition page ranks ingredients by the strength of clinical research supporting them.

How We Grade Evidence

Each condition page ranks supplement ingredients by the strength of clinical evidence. Here is what each grade means:

Strong Evidence

Multiple randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or meta-analyses with consistent positive results and large sample sizes.

Good Evidence

At least one RCT with mostly consistent results across studies. Evidence suggests benefit but more research may be needed.

Some Evidence

Small studies or observational data with some positive signals. Promising but insufficient for strong recommendations.

Very Early Research

In vitro studies, case reports, or pilot studies only. Early-stage research that requires clinical validation.

Abdominal Fat Reduction

54% of US adults have elevated waist circumference; visceral obesity increasing even among normal-weight individuals

Waist circumference >40 in (men) / >35 in (women) Elevated waist-to-hip ratio Elevated liver enzymes +2

Appetite Control

Subjective hunger and appetite dysregulation affect the majority of individuals attempting weight loss

Persistent hunger between meals Difficulty feeling full Frequent snacking +3

Cortisol-Related Weight Gain

Chronic stress affects 75-80% of adults; cortisol-driven visceral fat accumulation is a significant component of metabolic syndrome

Abdominal weight gain Difficulty losing belly fat despite diet/exercise Sugar/carb cravings (especially evenings) +3

Emotional Eating

38-60% of overweight/obese individuals report emotional eating as a significant barrier to weight management

Eating when not physically hungry Craving specific comfort foods (high sugar/fat) Eating in response to stress/boredom/sadness +2

Exercise Performance for Weight Loss

Only 23% of US adults meet both aerobic and muscle-strengthening guidelines

Low exercise tolerance Difficulty maintaining workout intensity during dieting Prolonged recovery +2

Fat Oxidation Enhancement

Impaired fat oxidation (metabolic inflexibility) is observed in 40-60% of obese individuals

Heavy reliance on carbohydrates for energy Difficulty exercising in fasting state Metabolic inflexibility +2

Hypothyroid-Related Weight Gain

Clinical hypothyroidism: 4.6% of US population; subclinical: 4-10% of adults; 5-8x more common in women

Weight gain (2-15 kg) Fatigue Cold intolerance +5

Insulin Resistance

40% of US adults aged 18-44 (estimated); up to 70% in obese individuals

Difficulty losing weight Carbohydrate cravings Fatigue after meals +4

Menopause-Related Weight Gain

Affects the majority of menopausal women; average age of menopause: 51 years; 1.3 million US women enter menopause annually

Weight gain (especially abdominal) Hot flashes Sleep disruption +4

Metabolic Syndrome

34.7% of US adults (NHANES); increases with age: 50% in those >60 years

Central obesity Elevated blood pressure Elevated fasting glucose +4

Muscle Preservation During Weight Loss

Universal concern during any weight loss intervention; particularly important in older adults (sarcopenic obesity)

Decreasing strength during diet Muscle soreness Fatigue +2

Obesity

42.4% of US adults (2023 CDC data); 650 million adults globally; prevalence has tripled since 1975

Excessive body fat (BMI ≥30) Fatigue Joint pain +4

Overweight Management

30.7% of US adults; combined with obesity, 73.1% of US adults are overweight or obese

BMI 25-29.9 Mild fatigue Early insulin resistance +2

PCOS-Related Weight Management

6-12% of reproductive-age women; 60-80% of PCOS patients are overweight/obese

Weight gain (especially abdominal) Irregular periods Acne +4

Post-Bariatric Nutritional Support

~256,000 bariatric procedures performed annually in the US (2023); growing worldwide

Nutrient deficiencies Hair loss Fatigue +4

Slow Metabolism

True metabolic rate 10%+ below predicted affects approximately 10-15% of the population

Difficulty losing weight despite caloric deficit Fatigue Cold intolerance +3

Sugar Cravings

86% of people report food cravings; sugar is the most commonly craved category (especially in women)

Intense desire for sweet foods Difficulty stopping after small amounts Post-meal sugar seeking +2

Weight Loss Plateau

Virtually universal — 80-95% of dieters experience a plateau within 6-12 months

Stalled weight loss despite continued caloric deficit Increased hunger Fatigue +3

FDA Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The products and information on this website are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The evidence grades presented are based on our analysis of published peer-reviewed research and do not constitute medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen.