Probiotic May Help Reduce Body Weight

According to a new study, supplementation with the probiotic strain Lactobacillus plantarum LMT1-48 may help decrease body weight, abdominal visceral fat, and insulin resistance in overweight people.

Participants in the study included 100 overweight but otherwise healthy adults. Half were given 2 billion CFUs of Lactobacillus plantarum LMT1-48 daily for 12 weeks. The other half were given a placebo.

The researchers assessed body weight, abdominal visceral fat, and insulin resistance at baseline and at the end of the study period.

Participants in the probiotic group lost an average of 2 pounds and an average of half an inch in waist circumference. In comparison, waist circumference increased in the placebo group. Participants in the probiotic group also saw significant decreases in abdominal visceral fat.

In addition, participants in the probiotic group saw decreases in insulin resistance, compared to increases in the placebo group.

The study was conducted by researchers from Seoul National University College of Medicine. It was published online ahead of print on April 29, 2022 in the Diabetes & Metabolism Journal.

A previous study found that Sicilian blood orange extract may provide weight and fat loss benefits.