Effects of Probiotics and Synbiotics on Weight Loss in Subjects with Overweight or Obesity: A Systematic Review.
- 2021-10-17
- Nutrients 13(10)
- PubMed: 34684633
- DOI: 10.3390/nu13103627
Study Design
- Type
- Systematic Review
- Population
- people with overweight and obesity
- Methods
- systematic review of randomized clinical trials on the effect of probiotics and synbiotics on weight loss; 27 articles met the selection criteria and were analyzed; average of 12 weeks
- Rigorous Journal
Intestinal microbiota has been shown to be a potential determining factor in the development of obesity. The objective of this systematic review is to collect and learn, based on the latest available evidence, the effect of the use of probiotics and synbiotics in randomized clinical trials on weight loss in people with overweight and obesity. A search for articles was carried out in PubMed, Web of science and Scopus until September 2021, using search strategies that included the terms "obesity", "overweight", "probiotic", "synbiotic", "Lactobacillus", "Bifidobacterium" and "weight loss". Of the 185 articles found, only 27 complied with the selection criteria and were analyzed in the review, of which 23 observed positive effects on weight loss. The intake of probiotics or synbiotics could lead to significant weight reductions, either maintaining habitual lifestyle habits or in combination with energy restriction and/or increased physical activity for an average of 12 weeks. Specific strains belonging to the genus Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium were the most used and those that showed the best results in reducing body weight. Both probiotics and synbiotics have the potential to help in weight loss in overweight and obese populations.
Research Insights
| Supplement | Dose | Health Outcome | Effect Type | Effect Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bifidobacterium bifidum UABb-10 | — | Reduced Body Weight | Beneficial | Moderate | View source23 observed positive effects on weight loss. The intake of probiotics or synbiotics could lead to significant weight reductions |