California chia (Salvia columbariae), like its more widely studied relative Salvia hispanica (common chia), is sometimes promoted for weight loss. The rationale is based on chia seeds’ high fiber content, which can promote satiety, potentially leading to reduced caloric intake. There is scientific literature supporting the role of dietary fiber in weight management, and several small clinical trials have examined chia seed supplementation for weight loss, primarily using Salvia hispanica. These studies have shown mixed results: some report modest reductions in appetite or weight, while others find no significant effect on body weight or fat mass. Importantly, specific clinical studies on California chia and weight loss are lacking.

Mechanistically, chia seeds absorb water and expand in the digestive tract, which may help increase feelings of fullness. Additionally, they provide protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which can contribute to satiety. However, systematic reviews and meta-analyses of chia seed interventions (again, mostly Salvia hispanica) conclude that evidence for a clinically meaningful effect on weight loss is limited and inconsistent. There is no strong evidence that chia seeds alone produce significant weight loss without other lifestyle changes.

In summary, while there is some scientific rationale and preliminary evidence supporting chia seeds’ role in promoting satiety, robust clinical evidence for weight loss—especially for California chia specifically—is weak. Thus, the evidence rating is 2 out of 5.