[Effects of glycemic index on energy balance].

The prevalence of obesity has increased over the last decades. Associated to this, there has been observed a chance in the dietetic pattern of the population in general, related to the increase in carbohydrate consumption. According to some authors, the glycemic index (GI) of food may affect body composition and body weight. The purpose of this review was to evaluate the effects of GI on appetite, satiety, and body composition. Based on the scientific evidences reviewed, it was possible to verify that the majority of the studies that observed a positive effect of GI in that matter have a lot of methodological limitations. Well-designed studies have not observed any benefit of GI on these parameters. Therefore, it is concluded that GI has little application in clinical practice, as a useful tool to control satiety, reduce appetite, and consequently, to reduce the prevalence of obesity.