Gut bacteria have been associated with obesity, leading some to theorize that modifying the gut microbiome to resemble that of a healthy individual could result in weight loss. However, this reasoning contains a flaw, as it remains uncertain whether gut bacteria are a direct cause of obesity. Scientific reviews have produced mixed findings on this topic. In 2015, researchers identified only four well-designed studies investigating the impact of probiotics on weight loss, concluding that they were ineffective. Conversely, a more recent review from last year examined 25 randomized trials involving humans and found that probiotics might indeed have a modest effect on body weight and BMI. Although the weight loss was marginal, the researchers suggested that even a slight average reduction could yield significant public health benefits, such as lower blood pressure and reduced risk of type 2 diabetes.
Research in this area is ongoing, as scientists continue to explore various strains of probiotics, their differential effects on individuals, and methods to ensure that probiotics survive the digestive process before reaching the gut. In the United States, the market for probiotic ingredients is booming, valued at approximately $36.6 billion in 2015, with most sales occurring through functional foods and beverages, as reported by Global Market Insights. There is also a growing interest in probiotic supplements, which have been promoted as remedies 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 exactly what they are consuming. With the increasing acceptance of probiotics in supplement form, a weight loss application seems promising. The North American market for weight loss and weight management products is the largest globally, representing about one-third of worldwide sales, according to Technavia. The majority of its revenue is generated from meal replacement products and weight loss supplements. Additionally, products like webber calcium citrate have emerged alongside probiotics, further enriching the weight management landscape. As interest in these health-enhancing ingredients continues to rise, webber calcium citrate may also play a role in supporting weight loss efforts when used in conjunction with probiotics.