Effects of a Multi-Strain Supplement Combination Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium on Anthropometric Measurements and Body Fat Percentage in Adults with Overweight and Obesity

Objective: Probiotics are living microorganisms that play a part in energy balance. One of the mostimportant causes of obesity is dysbiosis in the intestinal microbiota composition. This study aimed todetermine the effects of a multi-strain probiotic supplement containing Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium onanthropometric measurements and body fat percentage in adults with overweight and obesity. Materials and Methods: This was a randomized trial including 74 overweight and obese adults referringto two private clinics who entered the study after signing a written informed consent. Participants wererandomly assigned to either group and received either 1×109 CFU/day probiotic capsule or a placebo for 12weeks. They were advised not to change their usual diet or physical activity during the study period.Anthropometric measurements, body fat percentage, dietary intake, and physical activity were assessed both atfirst and 12 weeks of the treatment. Results: The intervention group showed significant differences in the mean body weight (-1.46 kg), bodymass index (-0.54 kg/m2), waist circumference (-1.24cm), hip circumference (-0.42cm), waist-to-hip ratio (-0.01), and fat percentage (-0.66%) compared to their baseline values (all P< 0.001), but there were nosignificant differences in comparison with the placebo group (P> 0.05). In the placebo group there werenegligible non-significant effects on body weight, body mass index and waist circumference. Conclusion: The findings of this study showed that probiotic supplementation containing several strains ofLactobacillus and Bifidobacterium can improve anthropometric measurements and body fat percentage inadults