Beneficial Bacteria Might Support Healthy Weight Loss

Probiotics, or healthy bacteria, have been reported to have a number of health benefits including supporting normal immune health and normal digestive health.  While the potential weight management benefits of incorporating probiotics into one's regular diet are not well studied, previous research has shown that gut bacteria differ between healthy weight individuals and overweight individuals. 

A new randomized, double-blind, clinical weight loss study examined the impact of a probiotic bacteria on weight loss and body fat in 87 adults with a body mass index (BMI) between 24-31.  For this study, volunteers were given either fermented milk containing the probiotic LG2055 or fermented milk without the probiotic bacteria for 12 weeks.  Changes in body size and body fat measurements were analyzed.  The results of this study showed that no changes were observed in the control group, those receiving just the fermented group.  In contrast, study volunteers receiving the fermented milk with the beneficial bacteria experienced (on average) a:

• 4.6% reduction in visceral abdominal fat
• 3.3% reduction in subcutaneous abdominal fat
• 1.4% decrease in body weight
• 1.5% decrease in BMI
• 1.8% decrease in waist size and 
• 1.5% decrease in hip size

While the study summary does not indicate whether the study volunteers were on any kind of diet plan in addition to their consumption of the probiotics, the reductions in body size and body fat levels, especially belly fat, in the group receiving the probiotics suggest that this particular strain of beneficial bacteria (Lactobacillus gasseri SBT2055) might help support healthy weight loss.   Probiotics are probably best known for supporting normal digestive health; however, emerging research like this current study is starting to highlight the potential weight loss benefits of some probiotic strains.  Making products that contain probiotics part of your overall healthy diet might make a good weight management strategy that can provide additional health benefits beyond weight loss.  However, it will be important to choose probiotics that have been shown to be effective.  There are many strains of probiotic bacteria and more research will be needed to determine which ones offer the best overall health and weight loss benefits. 

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