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 most important causes of obesity is dysbiosis in the intestinal microbiota composition. this study aimed to determine the effects of a multi-strain probiotic supplement containing lactobacillus and bifidobacterium on anthropometric 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 referring to two private clinics who entered the study after signing a written informed consent. participants were randomly assigned to either group and received either 1×109 cfu/day probiotic capsule or a placebo for 12 weeks. 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 at first and 12 weeks of the treatment.results: the intervention group showed significant differences in the mean body weight (-1.46 kg), body mass 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 no significant differences in comparison with the placebo group (p> 0.05). in the placebo group there were negligible 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 of lactobacillus and bifidobacterium can improve anthropometric measurements and body fat percentage in adults.