SynthesisNutrition reviews2026
Association between Bitter Taste Sensitivity and Weight Status in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Synthesis in Nutrition reviews, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
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Authors and funding
7 authors.
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Abstract
contextBitter 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.
objectiveIn 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.
conclusionsBitter 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.
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