Could Probiotics Aid Weight Loss Efforts?

Consuming probiotics could help to reduce body weight and body mass index (BMI) according to data from a recent meta-analysis.

While previous research has suggested that probiotics, consumed as either supplements or in foods like yogurt, may improve immunity and digestion, there is little data on their effects on overall health.
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To assess the effects of probiotic therapies on body weight and BMI, the researchers conducted a meta-analysis of 25 randomized, controlled trials, including data from 1931 participants.

Overall, probiotic consumption was associated with significantly reduced body weight (0.59 kg) and BMI (0.49 kg/m²), with greater reductions in BMI observed in participants taking multiple species of probiotic and in those taking probiotics for 8 or more weeks.

“Consuming probiotics could reduce body weight and BMI, with a potentially greater effect when multiple species of probiotics were consumed, the duration of intervention was ≥8 weeks, or the objects were overweight,” the researchers concluded.

—Michael Potts

Reference:

Zhang Q, Wu Y, Fei X. Effect of probiotics on body weight and body-mass index: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized, controlled trials. Int J Food Sci Nutr. 2015;67(5):571-580.