Effects of Probiotics and Synbiotics on Weight Loss in Subjects with Overweight or Obesity: A Systematic Review

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#adolescent #adult #aged #child #child-preschool

Effects of Probiotics and Synbiotics on Weight Loss in Subjects with Overweight or Obesity: A Systematic Review

Álvarez-Arraño et al., 2021 | Nutrients | Systematic Review

Citation

Álvarez-Arraño Valentina, Martín-Peláez Sandra. Effects of Probiotics and Synbiotics on Weight Loss in Subjects with Overweight or Obesity: A Systematic Review. Nutrients. 2021-Oct-17;13(10). doi:10.3390/nu13103627

Abstract

Intestinal microbiota has been shown to be a potential determining factor in the development of obesity. The objective of this systematic review is to collect and learn, based on the latest available evidence, the effect of the use of probiotics and synbiotics in randomized clinical trials on weight loss in people with overweight and obesity. A search for articles was carried out in PubMed, Web of science and Scopus until September 2021, using search strategies that included the terms "obesity", "overweight", "probiotic", "synbiotic", "Lactobacillus", "Bifidobacterium" and "weight loss". Of the 185 articles found, only 27 complied with the selection criteria and were analyzed in the review, of which 23 observed positive effects on weight loss. The intake of probiotics or synbiotics could lead to significant weight reductions, either maintaining habitual lifestyle habits or in combination with energy restriction and/or increased physical activity for an average of 12 weeks. Specific strains belonging to the genus Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium were the most used and those that showed the best results in reducing body weight. Both probiotics and synbiotics have the potential to help in weight loss in overweight and obese populations.

Key Findings

Both probiotics and synbiotics have the potential to help in weight loss in overweight and obese populations.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Gastrointestinal Microbiome
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Obesity
  • Overweight
  • Probiotics
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Synbiotics
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Weight Loss
  • Young Adult

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Systematic Review
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: probiotics-obesity

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09