The Role of Curcumin in Obesity: Mechanisms and Metabolic Implications

Abstract

Obesity is a complex, multifactorial chronic disease associated with metabolic, inflammatory, cardiovascular, renal, and gastrointestinal complications. Increasing interest has been directed toward bioactive dietary compounds with potential anti-obesity properties. Curcumin, the principal polyphenolic compound derived from Curcuma longa, has been extensively investigated for its metabolic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and regulatory effects on adipose tissue, liver metabolism, insulin sensitivity, and gut microbiota. This review summarizes and critically analyzes available evidence regarding the role of curcumin in obesity, drawing on in vitro studies, animal models, clinical trials, and mechanistic investigations. The findings indicate that curcumin supplementation is associated with attenuation of weight gain, adipogenesis, inflammation, insulin resistance, lipid accumulation, and obesity-related organ dysfunction through multiple molecular pathways. However, most available evidence originates from preclinical models, while clinical data remain limited and heterogeneous, highlighting the need for cautious interpretation of translational relevance. Further well-designed, large-scale clinical studies are required to clarify curcumin’s therapeutic potential in obesity management.