Long-term studies in humans are required in order to allow firm conclusions. Animal studies have investigated potential anti-obesity effects of seaweeds on adipogenesis and the inhibition of major lipid hydrolyzing and metabolizing enzymes. The results of these studies suggest beneficial effects of seaweed components such as fucoxanthin on body weight and the percentage of abdominal white adipose tissue. It is premature to extrapolate these findings to humans since consistent findings are still lacking. There is at present no solid evidence indicating that seaweeds are effective in long-term weight management.