A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials found that adding probiotic supplementation to an energy-restricted diet did not meaningfully improve body weight or most body composition outcomes in adults with overweight or obesity.
Source: Pooled analysis of studies, 1343 adults with overweight or obesity across 19 randomized controlled trials. It combines earlier studies, so its strength depends on the studies it pooled.
What was found
A systematic review and meta-analysis reports that adding probiotics to an energy-restricted diet did not significantly improve body weight, Body Mass Index (BMI), body fat percentage, waist circumference, or fat-free mass. Researchers observed a small reduction in fat mass that favored the probiotic group, but its clinical relevance is uncertain.
How it was done
The researchers conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of 19 randomized controlled trials involving 1343 participants. The trials compared energy restriction plus probiotics to energy restriction alone or with a placebo in adults with overweight or obesity. Interventions lasted 3 to 20 weeks, with probiotic doses ranging from 1.8 × 10^6 to 1.5 × 10^11 colony-forming units per day. Energy restriction ranged from fixed deficits of 300–1000 kcal/day to relative reductions of 20% to 30%. The study authors work at Laboratório de Exercício e Qualidade de Vida, Centro Universitário São Camilo; Departamento de Psicobiologia, Universidade Federal de São Paulo; and Departamento de Nutrição, Universidade Federal de Lavras in Brazil.
What it does not show
The small reduction in fat mass found in this meta-analysis was modest, and its clinical relevance is uncertain. The study did not determine if specific probiotic strains or doses might have different effects.
Where this fits
This meta-analysis suggests that for adults with overweight or obesity, adding probiotics to an energy-restricted diet may not significantly improve weight loss or most body composition measures. While a small reduction in fat mass was noted, its practical importance is uncertain. Readers considering probiotics for weight management may want to review the wider research on specific strains and their effects.
Read more: Natural ways to lose weight
Who was talking about it
- Nutrition reviews on journal (2026-10-30): Nutrition reviews published a systematic review and meta-analysis concluding that probiotics do not significantly improve weight loss or body composition when combined with energy restriction. See the post
The source
This is news, reported from the source above. It is not medical advice and not a recommendation. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before you change any medicine or supplement.