Salt and obesity: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies

Background: Existing research has investigated the association between sodium intake and obesity. We aim to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of reported evidence regarding the association between sodium intake and obesity.Methods: Multiple electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar) were searched for observational studies published until August 2016. A systematic literature review identified 11 cohort and 21 cross-sectional studies.Result: Among the 32 studies identified in the systematic literature search, only 18 cross-sectional reports had sufficient data to be included in the meta-analysis. Higher sodium consumption was associated with greater BMI (weighed mean difference (WMD) = 1.24 kg/m2, 95%CI: 0.80, 1.67; I2 = 98.4%; p < .0001), and higher sodium intake was associated with 4.75 cm (95%CI: 3.25, 6.25; 90.8%; p <.0001) greater waist circumference (WC).Conclusion: The present meta-analysis suggests that sodium consumption was associated with greater BMI and WC.