Lifestyle-Based Management of Metabolic Syndrome: An Umbrella Review of Yoga, Nutrition, Exercise, and Nutraceuticals

Abstract

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a global health challenge characterised by abdominal obesity, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and insulin resistance. Multiple interventions have been tested, but a comprehensive synthesis of systematic reviews and meta-analyses across lifestyle, dietary, and nutraceutical domains has been lacking.
To conduct an umbrella review evaluating the effectiveness of nutrition, lifestyle, exercise, and nutraceutical interventions in improving metabolic syndrome outcomes.

A comprehensive search of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google scholar was conducted from January 2005 to June 2025. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing dietary, lifestyle, exercise, yoga, or nutraceutical interventions in adults with MetS were included. Data extraction focused on intervention type, dosage, and outcomes. Methodological quality was assessed using AMSTAR-2 tool.

Fourteen systematic reviews and meta-analyses were included, which have interventions such as nutraceuticals (fenugreek, green tea, garlic, ginger, black cumin, hibiscus, curcumin), yoga, exercise and diet. Lifestyle and exercise interventions improved significantly. The Mediterranean diet improved lipid profile and blood pressure, whereas nutraceuticals provided modest improvements, with fenugreek and black cumin showing the most consistent benefits. AMSTAR-2 ratings indicated eight reviews rated as high quality and six as moderate quality.

Lifestyle interventions remain the cornerstone of MetS management. Herbal and nutraceutical supplements provide promising adjunctive benefits but require standardization and high-quality RCTs. These findings reinforce the primacy of lifestyle approaches while highlighting opportunities for integrated dietary and nutraceutical strategies in clinical management. Future research should emphasise long-term adherence, personalized strategy, and standardized protocols for lifestyle-based interventions.