The Relationship Between Spicy Food Consumption and Overweight or Obesity: A Literature Review

Background: The prevalence of obesity continues to increase globally and in Indonesia. One of the contributing factors is the consumption of unhealthy foods, including excessive spicy food. Chili peppers, one of the main ingredients in spicy foods, contain capsaicin, a bioactive compound that may influence appetite, energy intake, and body weight regulation.Purpose: This study aimed to analyze the relationship between spicy food consumption and overweight or obesity status.Method: This study employed a narrative literature review method. Relevant articles were identified through Google Scholar and PubMed and were analyzed to evaluate the association between spicy food consumption and overweight or obesity.Results: The reviewed studies indicated that a high frequency of chili consumption was positively associated with an increased risk of obesity, particularly central obesity. Daily consumption of spicy foods, especially when accompanied by high intake of meat and oil, was associated with a greater risk of overweight and obesity. Furthermore, spicy food consumption was influenced by various factors, including gender, age, socioeconomic status, lifestyle, and environmental conditions.Conclusion: The findings suggest that the frequency and intensity of spicy food consumption are associated with an increased risk of overweight and obesity. However, this relationship is also influenced by dietary patterns and other individual and environmental factors.