Gut bacteria have been associated with obesity, leading some to propose that altering the gut microbiome to resemble that of a healthy individual may facilitate weight loss. However, this reasoning has its flaws, as it remains uncertain whether gut bacteria are a direct cause of obesity. Scientific reviews on the subject have yielded inconsistent outcomes. In 2015, researchers identified only four rigorously conducted studies examining the impact of probiotics on weight loss, ultimately deeming them ineffective. Conversely, a more recent review published 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 reduction observed was minimal, the researchers noted that even slight average losses across a population could significantly benefit public health by lowering blood pressure and reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes.
Ongoing research is exploring various strains of probiotics, their differing effects on individuals, and methods to prevent probiotics from being destroyed during digestion before reaching the gut. The probiotic market in the United States was valued at approximately $36.6 billion in 2015, with most sales occurring in the form of functional foods and beverages, according to Global Market Insights. There is also a rising interest in probiotic supplements, which are promoted as solutions for a wide range of issues, from digestive disorders to acne and depression. These claimed health benefits are strain-specific, emphasizing the need for consumers to be well-informed about their choices.
Given the increasing acceptance of probiotics in supplement form, their potential application in weight loss appears promising. The North American market for weight loss and management products is the largest globally, representing about one-third of total sales, as reported by Technavia. A significant portion of this revenue stems from meal replacement products and weight loss supplements. Additionally, some weight loss supplements incorporate beneficial elements like calcium citrate malate and folic acid tablets, which may enhance overall health. The integration of such ingredients into weight management products underscores the evolving landscape of dietary supplements aimed at promoting health and weight loss.