What The Studies Revealed About Probiotics To Lose Weight? And Which Strains Could Cause Weight Gain?

Not all bacteria are harmful. We’ve been told about that. The bacteria living in our gut influence various aspects of our health. And these would include the ability to lose weight and manage obesity. But could probiotics help in your weight loss goal?

Various studies revealed that some Lactobacillus strains can help with weight loss. In fact, they assist you in losing belly fat.

In this study, it showed that by eating yogurt containing Lactobacillus fermentum or Lactobacillus amylovorus, body fats are reduced by up to four percent in over six weeks.

In another study, researchers studied 125 overweight dieters. Some of the participants were given probiotics, and the others were supplied a placebo. Those who took probiotics experienced 50 percent weight loss compared to the other group. Furthermore, they continued to lose weight while the weight maintenance phase was ongoing.

What strains are the most effective?

Of all the strains of Lactobacillus, it’s the Lactobacillus gasseri that showed promising effects in losing weight. Several studies also showed that this type of bacteria has anti-obesity effects.

That said, some strains of Lactobacillus family can help in reducing weight and fats in the belly. But the most effective of those strains is the Lactobacillus gasseri.

Probiotics can prevent weight gain

Weight loss isn’t about fighting obesity, but it’s also about avoiding it. And probiotics can help in preventing weight gain. In this study, participants took a probiotic formulation. They consumed 1000 calories a day. It showed that some priority strains could be effective at preventing weight gain even on a high-calorie diet. But more studies are needed.

But not all probiotics are good

However, some studies found that not all probiotics could help with weight loss. In fact, researchers found that certain probiotic strains could lead to weight gain. One of these strains includes Lactobacillus acidophilus.

In a recent study, it showed that probiotics didn’t reduce body weight and body fat levels of obese adults. Unfortunately, the said study failed to include the studies mentioned above.

Probiotics are just part of the weight loss puzzle

It’s true that probiotics could have numerous health benefits. But their effects on individuals are mixed.

And it turned out, their ability to aid in weight loss will depend on the strains of bacteria in it. As the studies showed, they indicated that Lactobacillus gasseri offers the most promising results in weight loss.

Certain strains may offer modest effects on your quest to lose weight. But you need to combine them with exercise and a healthy diet.

But don’t just eat probiotics because of their weight loss effects. Keep in mind that they offer other health benefits, such as reducing inflammation, improving cardiovascular risk and digestive health.

When purchasing probiotics, make sure that you check the label. Read it and ensure that its claims will match the goals that you want to get.

Furthermore, you need to know its ingredients. It’s especially true if you are taking a probiotic pill. Some pills contain ingredients that you might be allergic to.

The product must also say what strains of bacteria in it. Then, make sure to check the instructions on how to store it.

The dose of bacteria may depend on every product. It’s likely because no one knows the exact amount of bacteria that must be used to provide promising results. But experts recommend having a billion per dose can be a good start.

When you’re taking probiotics, remember that they can cause gassiness and bloat.