A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in 100 mildly obese adults on a hypocaloric diet (1000 kcal/day) was performed to evaluate the impact of chitosan on body weight and blood pressure.
 Patients received two tablets of chitosan (amount unspeci- fied) or placebo twice daily for four weeks. 
Significant reductions were seen in all outcome measures in both groups. 
A greater reduction in mean body weight was seen in the chitosan group (from 83.6 kg to 76.3 kg) than in the placebo group (from 82.3 kg to 79.3 kg). 
The only adverse effect reported was occasional mild nausea in two participants in each group.