There is some discrepancies among clinical studies on the effects of white bean extract for weight management. The aim of this randomized, double-blinded and placebo-controlled study was to examine the weight loss effects of a white bean extract in obese subjects.

120 obese volunteers have been enrolled and received a placebo or 2400 mg/day of a white bean extract for 35 days. No energy restricted diet was imposed to participants. Results showed a 2.24 kg reduction in body weight in the supplemented group, vs. 0.29 kg in the placebo group. The difference was significant (p < 0.01). BMI and body fat mass decreased in comparison to baseline. Reductions in subcutaneous fat, waist circumference and hip circumference have been also reported.

This study reports therefore a significant weight loss effect of a white bean extract over a short-time period (i.e. within 35 days).

Wang S, Chen L, Yang H, Gu J, Wang J, Ren F. Regular intake of white kidney beans extract (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) induces weight loss compared to placebo in obese human subjects. Food Sci Nutr. 2020 Feb 5;8(3):1315-1324.