Association between Bitter Taste Sensitivity and Weight Status in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

CONTEXT: Bitter taste sensitivity plays a role in dietary preferences and food intake, potentially affecting weight status. Despite previous studies performed to investigate this role, the relationship between bitter taste sensitivity and anthropometric measures remains inconclusive.

OBJECTIVE

In this review we sought to systematically evaluate the association between sensitivity to bitter taste and weight status in adults through a comprehensive meta-analysis and meta-regression.

DATA SOURCES: We conducted a systematic search of the EMBASE, MEDLINE, CINAHL, Scopus, and PsycInfo databases for reported studies on this topic published up to March 2024. Included studies involved healthy adults and were published in English.

DATA EXTRACTION: Two reviewers independently screened titles, abstracts, and full texts. Data on study characteristics, methods of assessing taste sensitivity, and anthropometric outcomes were extracted. Quality assessment was performed using the American Dietetic Association Quality Criteria Checklist.

DATA ANALYSIS: Meta-analysis of 27 studies (80 effect estimates) revealed no significant association between bitter taste sensitivity and overall weight status (Cohen's dz, -0.02; 95% CI, -0.10 to 0.05, P = .58). Subgroup analyses also showed no significant differences between nontasters, medium tasters, and supertasters. Meta-regression indicated that the waist-hip ratio was a significant moderator (P = .004). Heterogeneity was high (I2 = 91.5%), and publication bias was minimal.

CONCLUSIONS

Bitter taste sensitivity does not significantly influence overall weight status but may affect body fat distribution. Methodological variability and population differences highlight the need for standardized protocols in future research. These findings contribute to understanding taste sensitivity in obesity prevention and dietary behavior strategies.