Menopause is a natural and inevitable part of life for women, leading to many physical and psychological changes accompanied by declining estrogen levels. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effect of curcumin, due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, on postmenopausal outcomes in women. This comprehensive analysis of RCTs (randomized controlled trials) published in the last decade was selected through a search of PubMed, Wiley, Scopus, and Web of Science (PROSPERO Identifier: CRD42024549735). Study selection and data extraction were performed using exclusion and inclusion criteria according to the PICOS framework (P: Population, I: Intervention, C: Comparison, O: Outcomes, S: Study designs). Of the twelve studies that met the criteria, 11 had a low-risk bias, but reports were conflicting on serum estradiol levels, bone density markers, and vasomotor symptoms; no significant effects on physical, psychological, or sexual functions were observed. For cardiometabolic biomarkers, short-term curcumin intake showed no significant effects, while long-term interventions using bioavailable forms of curcumin showed improvements in serum fasting glucose, fasting insulin, HOMA-IR (Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance), and lipid parameters. There are a limited number of studies examining the effect of curcumin intake on menopause-related outcomes. While overdose has been observed in some studies attempting to restore estradiol levels, no significant effects have been observed. However, curcumin intake impacts postmenopausal symptoms (e.g., improving symptoms of osteoporosis) through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Different forms and doses, combinations, and durations of interventions may influence outcomes. Better-designed studies are needed to understand the potential effects of curcumin intake during menopause.

The prevalence of obesity is increasing rapidly worldwide and represents a serious public health problem. In order to prevent obesity, the causes of obesity should be identified and appropriate interventions developed. In this review, the carbohydrate-insulin model, which is one of the causal perspectives to obesity, and recent studies on this approach are discussed and evaluated together with the energy balance model. Reduced total energy expenditure when adhering to healthy dietary recommendations without energy restriction or dietary energy restriction interventions makes it difficult to understand the energy-independent insulinemic effect of diet. Although more studies are needed on the causal approaches to obesity, it was concluded that high-fibre and low-glycaemic load diets, rather than carbohydrate-restricted diets in the carbohydrate-insulin model, may give more favorable results in trials. In addition, individualized nutritional and dietary models should be developed under the guidance of a dietician in the treatment of obesity.