Probiotics contain live strains of bacteria that help balance the levels of “good” and “bad” bacteria in your gut (the latter is found more in abundance in people who are overweight).
There are a few ways probiotics work to control your weight and help with weight loss.
“It is thought that certain probiotics may inhibit the absorption of dietary fat, increasing the amount of fat excreted with feces,” reports Healthline.
Getting a clearer understanding of the types of bacteria strains that are offered in probiotics will help you choose the best one for weight loss.
There are several strains in the lactobacillus family that are considered the most effective for weight loss. But one stands out above all others: lactobacillus gasseri.
According to Healthline: “Of all the probiotic bacteria studied to date, Lactobacillus gasseri shows the most promising effects on weight loss. Numerous studies in rodents have found that it has anti-obesity effects.”
In one study that followed 210 people, it was found that taking lactobacillus gasseri for 12 weeks helped reduce belly fat by 8.5 percent.
There is one caveat to taking probiotics for weight loss and belly fat reduction. You will have to continue taking it to experience positive outcomes. Study participants who stopped taking probiotics gained all of their belly fat loss back in just one month.
Instead of thinking of probiotics as a temporary solution, it’s best to think of it as a supplement you can continue taking as part of a lifestyle change. And don’t forget to include probiotic-rich foods in your diet — like Greek yogurt and kombucha — that can also help provide positive weight loss outcomes.