The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines probiotics as "live micro-organisms which, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health bene?t on the host". Probiotics may affect the gut micro biota to modulate obesity. A new study claims that the regular consumption of probiotics could help accelerate weight loss in women. Daily supplements with the probiotic Lactobacillus gasseri may help weight loss in people with obese tendencies, according to new research.
According to the most recent study, a strain of friendly bacteria called Lactobacillus rhamnosus also appears to be quite helpful for weight loss in women. As it relates to weight management, one hypothesis states that your gut bacteria may in fact be in control of your appetite. Probiotics contain all sorts of nutrients that help you stay healthy. And, as it turns out, probiotics could help you lose weight too, according to a study published in the British Journal of Nutrition.
Gut bacteria can improve our weight control through a number of mechanisms including communicating with our genes, and controlling our eating behaviour and cravings. The gut bacteria may be affecting our eating decisions in part by acting through the vagus nerve, which connects 100 million nerve cells from the digestive tract to the base of the brain.
The scientists reported that probiotic supplements during the first trimester of pregnancy help women lose weight after the infant's birth. Supplements containing lactobacillus and bifidobacterium were associated with less central obesity. Interestingly, this finding may explain why breast-fed babies are at a lower risk of obesity, as bifidobacteria flourish in the guts of breast-fed babies. Based on the findings from previous clinical trials, a 2014 Dutch review study highlighted which specific strands of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium have solid evidence to support weight loss claims.
Overall there is certainly a telling link between probiotics and weight loss, but much more research is needed. Lactobacillus gasseri supplements could be a useful alternative too, but we don't know the effects of long-term use. And as with anything related to weight loss, do not expect any miracles without a nutritious diet and regular exercise.
The writer is a nutritionist.
fahmidahashem60@gmail.com
Probiotic to fight obese tendencies
Fahmida Hashem | Published: June 28, 2015 00:00:00 | Updated: November 30, 2026 06:01:00
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