Gut bacteria have been associated with obesity, leading some to theorize that altering the gut microbiome to resemble that of a healthy individual could facilitate weight loss. However, this line of reasoning contains a significant assumption, as it remains uncertain whether gut bacteria are a direct cause of obesity. Scientific reviews have produced mixed findings on this topic. A 2015 study identified only four well-designed experiments examining the impact of probiotics on weight loss, ultimately concluding that they were ineffective. Conversely, a more recent review of 25 randomized trials found that probiotics might indeed have a modest effect on body weight and BMI. Although the observed weight loss was minimal, researchers noted that even a slight average reduction could yield substantial public health benefits, such as lowered blood pressure and decreased risk of type 2 diabetes.
Research is ongoing as scientists explore different probiotic strains, their varying effects on individuals, and strategies to protect probiotics from being destroyed during digestion before they reach the gut. Probiotic ingredients represent a lucrative industry in the United States, valued at approximately $36.6 billion in 2015, primarily through functional foods and beverages, according to Global Market Insights. There is also an increasing interest in probiotic supplements, which are being promoted for a range of issues from digestive disorders to acne and depression.
These claimed health benefits are strain-specific, meaning consumers must be aware of what they are consuming. As acceptance of probiotic supplements grows, their application for weight loss appears promising. The North American market for weight loss and management products is the largest globally, comprising about one-third of total sales, according to Technavia, with a significant portion of revenue generated from meal replacement items and weight loss supplements.
Additionally, products containing calcium citrate with vitamin D, magnesium, and zinc are gaining traction as potential complementary solutions in the weight management sector, emphasizing the importance of informed consumer choices regarding dietary supplements and their role in overall health.