The Association between Potassium Intake and Obesity: A Systematic Review of Observational Studies

Dewi  Fatimatuzahroh; Farapti  Farapti; Shanthi  Dhandapani

doi:10.18502/jnfs.v10i4.20015

Dewi Fatimatuzahroh Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya 60115, Indonesia
Farapti Farapti Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya 60115, Indonesia
Shanthi Dhandapani Department of Nutrition and Dietetic, School of Health Sciences, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/jnfs.v10i4.20015

Keywords: Potassium; Intake; Obesity; Systematic review.

Abstract

Background: Obesity is a global health concern across all age groups, primarily influenced by lifestyle and dietary patterns. Potassium, an essential nutrient is involved in various diseases, including hypertension and cardiovascular disorders. It aids insulin secretion, impacting fat accumulation and obesity. However, the role of potassium in obesity remains underexplored, with inconsistent findings. This systematic review aims to assess the association of potassium intake with obesity. Methods: This study is a systematic review using the keywords "obese" or "overweight" and "potassium" or "obesity" and "potassium intake," with a publication time frame of the last ten years (2014-2024). The articles were retrieved from PubMed, Google Scholar, and ResearchGate. Results: Ten articles analyzed potassium's link to obesity. Four articles examined body composition (fat mass and muscle mass). In comparison, six articles examined assessed Body Mass Index (BMI), with two of these also exploring its relationship with abdominal obesity (AO) (waist circumference (WC) and waist-to-hip ratio). Six articles found that increased potassium intake was associated with lower body weight, BMI, WC, waist-to-hip ratio, or fat mass. Meanwhile, the other four articles suggested that higher potassium intake was linked to an increased risk of obesity. Conclusions: The ten articles on potassium's role in reducing obesity presented inconsistent findings. Most assessed potassium intake alongside sodium (Na: K ratio), which showed more consistent results in reducing obesity. It is recommended that obesity outcomes be evaluated through body composition measures (fat mass, muscle mass, WC) in addition to BMI rather than relying on a single measurement.