The dietary supplement chitosan shows some promise in treating overweight and obesity but has not been shown conclusively to be an effective weight loss aid, according to a new systematic review of current evidence.The review assessed results of 14 randomized controlled trials that included 1,131 overweight or obese adults. Those who received chitosan (pronounced kigh-toh-san) had an average weight loss of almost 4 pounds more than those on placebo in the short term, and their cholesterol and blood pressure levels also decreased more than those in the placebo group. There were no side effects noted in the group taking chitosan.
