The Efficacy of Probiotics- Lactobacillus on Body Weight, Body Mass Index and Visceral Fat in Overweight and Obese Subjects: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Abstract
Abstract
Background:
Nowadays the prevalence of overweight and obesity in adults nearing to 40% of the population. Evidence suggests that obesity-related to the altered gut microbiota, and it is recognized as one of the casual factors in obesity progression. To clarify the effect of lactobacillus strains on body mass index (BMI), body weight and visceral fat among overweight and obese adults, we performed a meta-analysis of randomised control trails. Understanding of the association between probiotic consumption and weight reduction helping to the prevention and treatment of obesity.
Methods:
This study is systematically reviewed the published randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that assessed the lactobacillus intervention on obese human. The electronic search was performed in the different database including PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus in English language and no date restriction. To measuring the effect of lactobacillus administrating, a meta-analysis was conducted on BMI, body weight and visceral fat to examine possibly the effect.
Results:
We identified 1286 articles, and only eight articles, including 889 subjects, where matching the inclusion criteria and included. The results show that Lactobacillus consumption have a statistical reduction on body mass index BMI (WMD [95% CI]; -0.43 [-0.76, -0.10] kg m−2), body weight (WMD [95% CI]; -1.50 [-2.44, -0.56] kg) in compared to placebo group. However, the change of visceral fat was not significant (WMD [95% CI]; -2.74 [-9.55, -4.08] cm). Lactobacillus effect is strain-dependent and mainly Lactobacillus gasseri and Lactobacillus curvatus were mainly associated with weight loss on the intervention group. No side effect was observed in all studies included, So, probiotic consumption tends to be a safe way on weight management.
Conclusion:
This review shows that the lactobacillus strains consumption may have a potential role in weight reduction. So, this type of treatment becomes a promising strategy for obesity treatment and prevention. However, the lactobacillus has a paradoxical effect on the weight and is considered as host-specific. Further, a longitudinal study with a large sample size is needed to determine the causal relation.