Clinical study reveals benefits of probiotics and prebiotics in obesity care and weight management

A groundbreaking study published in Scientific Reports explores the potential benefits of integrating a low-calorie diet rich in fibres, probiotic supplementation, and regular physical exercise on the health and body composition of women with obesity in Egypt.

Obesity is a global health issue affecting diverse populations regardless of socio-economic status, age, ethnicity, or gender. The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in overall well-being by influencing metabolism, vitamin synthesis, immune response, and protection against pathogens.

Dietary modifications have been shown to alter the composition and diversity of gut microbiota, offering new avenues for treating conditions like obesity that are linked to gut health. An imbalance in the gut microbiota, particularly the ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes (F/B ratio), is commonly associated with obesity, suggesting that restoring balance could serve as an effective intervention.

This longitudinal study investigated the effects of a controlled diet, enhanced with fibre and probiotics, alongside regular physical activity, on women with obesity from Egypt. The cohort comprised 58 participants, with an average age of 47 years and a mean body mass index (BMI) of 38 kg/m². They adhered to a structured weight loss diet that emphasised low carbohydrates and high protein and fibre intake, complemented by 100 grams of probiotic-rich yogurt daily. This regimen was designed to supply 49% of the recommended dietary allowance for calories, with a specific macronutrient breakdown of 58% fat, 42% carbohydrates, and high levels of protein (88%) and fibre (95%).

The selected foods included beans, whole grains, legumes, nuts, various fruits and vegetables, low-fat dairy, eggs, cottage cheese, and lean meats. Researchers monitored several physical attributes such as weight, waist and hip circumference, and skinfold thickness at multiple sites according to the International Biological Programme’s guidelines.

Participants underwent extensive health screenings, excluding those with autoimmune, metabolic, or gastrointestinal disorders, or those on conflicting medications like antibiotics. Key metrics such as body composition, including fat mass and fat-free mass, basal metabolic rate, and various anthropometric measurements were recorded.

Researchers also conducted detailed analyses of blood and faecal samples, the latter to assess changes in gut microbiota post-intervention through gene sequencing and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques. They specifically measured levels of Bifidobacteria, Lactobacillus, and the critical F/B ratio.

Post-intervention results were highly encouraging, with significant improvements in body measurements, composition (including reductions in waist circumference, hip circumference, and skinfold thickness), and critical health markers like leptin, and liver enzymes (AST and ALT). The probiotic intervention led to a marked increase in the populations of beneficial bacteria such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria, and a significant reduction in Firmicutes, thereby improving the F/B ratio.

The study also noted strong negative correlations between the F/B ratio and various body composition and metabolic indicators, suggesting that a better balanced gut microbiota is closely linked to improved health outcomes in individuals with obesity.

The integrated approach of a fibre-rich, low-calorie diet, regular physical activity, and probiotic supplementation not only enhanced body composition and facilitated weight loss but also improved important blood markers associated with obesity. The findings underscore the potential of probiotics to aid in weight management by reducing inflammation, enhancing the gut barrier, and modulating various biological functions.

Regular exercise and the strategic use of probiotic supplements appear to be effective in managing obesity-related health issues, indicating a promising strategy for tackling obesity through gut microbiota modulation.