New studies suggest certain probiotic strains may help reduce body fat and support weight loss efforts. Probiotics are live microbes that provide health perks when consumed.
Research indicates people carrying extra weight tend to have less diverse gut bacteria than thinner folks.
Also, animal studies show transferring intestine microbes from obese to thin mice can cause weight gain in the thin mice. This points to gut microbiome makeup impacting weight.
Probiotics likely influence weight by boosting fullness hormones like GLP-1 and proteins that block fat absorption like ANGPTL4. They also decrease inflammation linked to obesity by improving gut health.
In human trials, probiotic supplements with lactobacillus strains lowered body fat percentage in overweight and obese participants. One type, Lactobacillus sakei, significantly reduced body fat mass and waist size over 12 weeks.
Discover more probiotics strains with the potential for weight loss here.