Can Probiotics Promote Weight Loss?

Previous studies suggest that altered gut bacteria in obese people may promote appetite and contribute to metabolic disease. Now research reports that daily supplementation of probiotic strain Lactobacillus gasseri may promote fat and weight loss in obese people. Probiotics are beneficial bacteria found in the intestinal flora of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.

The Study

The double-blind, placebo-controlled study, published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, investigated the effect of Lactobacillus gasseri supplementation on weight loss in obese adults. Researchers from Technology and Research Institute, Snow Brand Milk Products in Japan, administered daily either 200 grams of fermented milk with or without Lactobacillus gasseri to 87 overweight adults for 12 weeks. Body weight, BMI (body mass index), waist circumference and hip measurements were obtained from the participants.

The Results

The researchers found that the Lactobacillus group had significant decreases in body weight (1.4%), BMI (1.5%), waist circumference (1.8%) and hips (1.5%). Furthermore, the Lactobacillus group had a 4.5% decrease in abdominal fat and 3.3% decrease in subcutaneous fat. However, the control group (no Lactobacillus) did not experience any changes.

The Main Point

"The probiotic LG2055 showed lowering effects on abdominal adiposity, body weight and other measures, suggesting its beneficial influence on metabolic disorders," the study authors conclude.

This study is significant because it suggests that probiotic Lactobacillus gasseri may be an effective weight management supplement.

Your Thoughts

Are you using alternative therapies to help manage your weight? Please comment below!

Sources

Kadooka Y et al. Regulation of abdominal adiposity by probiotics (Lactobacillus gasseri SBT2055) in adults with obese tendencies in a randomized controlled trial. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2010 Jun;64(6):636-43. Epub 2010 Mar 10..

Gavalas, Elaine. THE YOGA MINIBOOK FOR WEIGHT LOSS, Simon & Schuster Fireside. elainegavalas.com .