Lactiplantibacillus plantarum ATG-K2 reduces body fat in overweight and obese adults: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

This study investigated the effects of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum ATG-K2 supplementation on body composition in adults with overweight and obesity. In this 12-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 80 participants were randomized to receive ATG-K2 or placebo. In the per-protocol analysis (ATG-K2: n = 32; placebo: n = 35), ATG-K2 significantly reduced total body fat mass and body fat percentage compared with placebo ( p = 0.0206 and p = 0.0260, respectively). Lean mass was preserved, and the lean-to-fat ratio was higher in the ATG-K2 group, although the between-group difference was not statistically significant ( p = 0.0653). Hip circumference showed a significant between-group difference ( p = 0.0493). No significant differences were observed in abdominal fat area or obesity-related biomarkers, and no serious adverse events were observed. These findings support ATG-K2 supplementation as a safe and effective nutritional strategy for reducing body fat while preserving lean mass in adults with overweight and obesity.