Do Probiotics Help in Losing Weight?

Updated on March 30, 2022

Various health supplements are available in the market these days, but probably, probiotics are the most popular ones. They have been linked with several health benefits, which include improved gut function and enhanced immunity. Some studies show that these probiotics can also be responsible for weight loss. Read on to know more about probiotics and their role in weight management.

Talking of probiotics

Probiotics are living microorganisms that our body already possesses in our guts. Some are good bacteria that play a significant role in body functioning. Sometimes the balance of the microbiome gets disrupted, and we have to consume probiotic supplements to restore our gut health. 

Most of the supplements found in the market contain a large concentration of these good bacteria. Usually, they are strains of the Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria families. When you consume them, they improve your gut functions and promote health. 

Health benefits of probiotics

Over the past two decades, the research on probiotics has increased in manifolds. So has its sale. People opt for it for its numerous benefits. Some of the most prominent ones are –

  • balances the ratio of the good bacteria in our intestine
  • improves some mental conditions like depression, anxiety, and OCD
  • helps in maintaining a good heart health
  • reduces the severity of allergic reaction and eczema
  • reduces the symptoms of some digestive concerns
  • boosts your immune system
  • decreases inflammation
  • reduces your weight 
  • prevents weight gain

So, choose the best probiotics for weight loss, and you can also enjoy other health benefits. 

The relation between body weight and gut health

There lies a relation between our gut microbiome and body weight. More than thousands of different types of bacteria reside in our intestines. These bacteria have an impact on one’s general health. Changes in bacterial composition can have negative health consequences, including several diseases.

Differences in gut flora composition may lead to obesity and overweight. It can increase insulin resistance, fat accumulation, and inflammation.

Furthermore, studies have revealed that people who are overweight or obese have a distinct gut flora composition than those who are not. Antibiotics can cause alterations to our gut bacteria which again have shown a connection with weight gain. So, we can for sure say that our gut health is responsible for the weight management of our body to a great extent. 

How probiotics can help you lose weight

Although scientists are still carrying on with their research, studies show that some strains of probiotics help lose weight and prevent weight gain. It has been seen that people who consumed them for three months consecutively witnessed a decreased BMI rate, reduced body weight, smaller waists, and loss of body fat. The weight loss happens because:

  • There is an increase in the production of SCFAs (short-chain fatty acids). They decrease fat storage and increase fatty acid oxidation. 
  • It influences body metabolism.
  • It may suppress your appetite.
  • It improves insulin sensitivity.
  • It helps in regulating pro-inflammatory genes.
  • It decreases inflammation.

Conclusion

However, the result of weight loss depends on various factors like 

  • the dosage 
  • the age of a person
  • the initial weight before the consumption of probiotics
  • the strain of probiotics you have been consuming 

Be watchful while buying them, as some strains are known for their weight gain properties.

The Editorial Team at Healthcare Business Today is made up of skilled healthcare writers and experts, led by our managing editor, Daniel Casciato, who has over 25 years of experience in healthcare writing. Since 1998, we have produced compelling and informative content for numerous publications, establishing ourselves as a trusted resource for health and wellness information. We offer readers access to fresh health, medicine, science, and technology developments and the latest in patient news, emphasizing how these developments affect our lives.