Probiotics could help weight loss



In women, consumption of probiotics could help weight loss, researchers have suggested. The influence of intestinal bacteria on obesity is well documented. High fat foods with low dietary fiber could promote certain intestinal bacterial growth, and contributes to obesity. Probiotics could modulate the intestinal bacterial imbalance, and reduce obesity. The study was published in British Journal of Nutrition.                                                                    
The present involved 125 obese individuals and were on 12-week weight-loss diet followed by 12-week maintenance period to monitor the body weight. About 50% of the participants were assigned to receive probiotics, and the rest were on sham (placebo) treatment.

After 12 weeks, an average weight loss of 4.4 kg among probiotics-treated women was observed, compared to 2.6 kg in the placebo group. No weight differences among males were reported.

During the maintenance period, the body weight remained to be same in the placebo group, and continued weight loss was reported in the probiotics-treated women. The total weight loss was about 5.2 kg in treated women, in 24 weeks.

Reduced intestinal colonization of obesity-causing bacteria and appetite-regulating hormone levels were observed in the probiotics treated women. 

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