Gut bacteria have been associated with obesity, leading some to speculate that altering the gut microbiome to resemble that of a healthy individual could result in weight loss. However, this line of reasoning is somewhat flawed, as it remains uncertain whether gut bacteria are a direct cause of obesity. Scientific reviews on this topic have produced mixed findings. In 2015, researchers identified only four rigorously conducted studies examining the impact of probiotics on weight loss, ultimately concluding that they were ineffective. Conversely, a more recent review from last year analyzed 25 randomized human trials and suggested that probiotics might indeed have a modest effect on body weight and BMI. Although the weight loss was minimal, the researchers noted that even a slight average reduction across a population could lead to significant public health benefits, such as lowered blood pressure and reduced risk of type 2 diabetes.
Research is ongoing, as scientists continue to explore various strains of probiotics, their differing effects on individuals, and methods to protect these beneficial bacteria from being destroyed in the digestive tract before reaching the gut. The market for probiotic ingredients is substantial in the United States, valued at approximately $36.6 billion in 2015, with most sales coming from functional foods and beverages, according to Global Market Insights. There is also a rising interest in probiotic supplements, which have been promoted as remedies for a range of issues, including digestive disorders, acne, and depression.
These alleged health benefits are strain-specific, meaning consumers must be well-informed about the products they are using. With the growing acceptance of probiotics in supplement form, their application for weight loss appears promising. Notably, the North American market for weight loss and weight management products is the largest globally, accounting for about one-third of total sales, as reported by Technavia. Much of the revenue in this sector is generated from meal replacement products and weight loss supplements, including calcium citrate supplements that are gaining popularity for their potential health benefits. As interest in these supplements continues to rise, it seems plausible that they could play a role in weight management strategies.