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Best Probiotics for Belly Fat: 5 Strains Backed by Clinical Trials

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Best Probiotics for Belly Fat 5 Strains Backed by Clinical Trials infographic header showing two translucent probiotic capsules opening and releasing diverse bacterial strains

Best Probiotics for Belly Fat: Clinical Research on the Strains That Actually Work

An evidence-based look at which probiotic strains reduce visceral fat, body weight, and waist circumference—and how they do it

The relationship between your gut microbiome and body fat distribution is no longer speculative—it's established science. Research consistently shows that the microbial communities living in your digestive tract directly influence how your body stores fat, regulates appetite hormones, and manages the low-grade inflammation that drives visceral fat accumulation. The practical question isn't whether gut bacteria matter for body composition. It's which specific strains have clinical evidence behind them.

Not all probiotics are created equal when it comes to belly fat. While hundreds of bacterial strains carry the "probiotic" label, only a handful have been tested in human clinical trials measuring actual body composition changes with tools like CT scans and DEXA. Even fewer have shown statistically significant reductions in visceral adipose tissue—the deep abdominal fat wrapped around your organs that drives metabolic disease risk.

This article examines the probiotic strains with the strongest published evidence for reducing belly fat. We've focused exclusively on findings from peer-reviewed, placebo-controlled human trials—not animal models or in vitro experiments alone. Where a strain appears in our MicroBiome Restore formula, we've noted that, but the research stands on its own.

Key Takeaways

  • Lactobacillus gasseri is the most clinically studied strain for visceral fat reduction, with multiple randomized controlled trials showing 4.6–8.5% decreases in abdominal fat area over 12 weeks.[1][2]
  • Bifidobacterium breve reduced body fat mass and waist circumference in two separate RCTs involving pre-obese and overweight adults.[4][5]
  • Bifidobacterium lactis 420 reduced body fat by 4.5% compared to placebo over six months, with the most pronounced changes in the abdominal region.[6]
  • Lactobacillus rhamnosus helped obese women lose significantly more weight than placebo—and they continued losing during maintenance, while the placebo group regained.[7]
  • A 2024 meta-analysis confirmed L. plantarum reduces body weight, BMI, and visceral fat across nine randomized controlled trials.[9]
  • Multi-strain formulations may outperform single-strain products for weight management, as different strains target distinct metabolic pathways.[9][13]

How Your Gut Microbiome Influences Belly Fat

Before examining individual strains, it helps to understand why gut bacteria affect fat storage in the first place. The connection isn't intuitive—after all, your intestinal microbes and your abdominal fat cells seem like entirely separate systems. But they're linked through several well-characterized biological pathways.

Four Pathways Connecting Gut Bacteria to Belly Fat

Intestinal barrier integrity: When the gut lining becomes permeable, bacterial fragments like lipopolysaccharides (LPS) leak into the bloodstream. This triggers chronic low-grade inflammation—a central driver of visceral fat accumulation. Certain probiotic strains strengthen tight junction proteins and reduce this "metabolic endotoxemia."[6]

Short-chain fatty acid production: Beneficial bacteria ferment dietary fiber into short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) like butyrate and propionate. These molecules regulate appetite hormones including GLP-1 and peptide YY, improve insulin sensitivity, and directly influence fat cell metabolism.

Fat absorption modulation: Some strains, particularly L. gasseri, increase the size of fat emulsion particles in the gut, reducing the efficiency of dietary fat absorption and increasing fecal fat excretion.[1]

Appetite regulation: Gut bacteria communicate with the brain through the vagus nerve and by influencing satiety hormones. Clinical trials have documented reduced calorie intake in participants taking specific probiotic strains—without conscious dietary restriction.[6]

Infographic showing four biological pathways connecting gut bacteria to belly fat: intestinal barrier integrity, short-chain fatty acid production, fat absorption modulation, and appetite regulation

A 2025 meta-analysis published in Scientific Reports pooled data from eight randomized controlled trials and found that probiotic supplementation significantly reduced body weight, waist circumference, and visceral fat content compared to placebo in obese patients.[11] Separately, a systematic review of 14 trials involving over 1,500 participants found that both single-strain Bifidobacterium and single-strain Lactobacillus probiotics produced significant decreases in visceral adipose tissue area.[12]

These aren't marginal effects. The pooled evidence now supports what individual trials have shown for years: specific probiotic strains measurably reduce abdominal fat when taken consistently. The key word is specific—strain identity matters enormously, and generic "probiotic blend" products without identified strains are unlikely to deliver these results.

Lactobacillus gasseri: The Visceral Fat Specialist

Strong Clinical Evidence

Lactobacillus gasseri

No probiotic strain has been more rigorously tested for abdominal fat reduction than Lactobacillus gasseri. Multiple large-scale randomized controlled trials have consistently demonstrated measurable decreases in visceral fat area, subcutaneous fat, body weight, and waist circumference.

The SBT2055 Trials

The first landmark trial, published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, enrolled 87 adults with elevated BMI and abdominal visceral fat. Participants consumed either fermented milk containing L. gasseri SBT2055 or a control product daily for 12 weeks. CT scans revealed that the probiotic group experienced a 4.6% reduction in visceral fat area and a 3.3% decrease in subcutaneous fat, along with significant decreases in body weight, BMI, and waist and hip circumferences. Critically, participants made no changes to diet or exercise during the study period.[1]

A larger follow-up trial confirmed these findings with dose-response data. Published in the British Journal of Nutrition, this multi-center RCT randomized 210 adults with high visceral fat into three groups. After 12 weeks, the higher-dose group showed an 8.5% reduction in visceral fat area compared to baseline—nearly double the effect seen in the initial study. Even the lower-dose group achieved a statistically significant 8.2% visceral fat reduction.[2]

Before and after comparison showing 8.5 percent visceral fat area reduction after 12 weeks of Lactobacillus gasseri SBT2055 supplementation based on clinical trial CT scan data

The BNR17 Strain

A separate strain of L. gasseri—BNR17, originally isolated from human breast milk—has also shown anti-obesity effects. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial published in the Journal of Medicinal Food, 90 overweight and obese adults received either placebo or different doses of BNR17 for 12 weeks. The high-dose group showed significant reductions in visceral adipose tissue and waist circumference compared to placebo, with no behavioral or dietary modifications required.[3]

An Important Caveat About L. gasseri

In both the SBT2055 trials, the beneficial effects on visceral fat disappeared within four weeks after participants stopped supplementation. This suggests that ongoing, consistent intake is essential—L. gasseri likely needs to maintain a steady presence in the gut to exert its fat-reducing effects. For a deeper look at the dosing research, see our clinical guide to Lactobacillus gasseri dosage.

How L. gasseri Reduces Belly Fat

Animal studies have illuminated the mechanisms behind these clinical findings. Research published in the European Journal of Applied Physiology demonstrated that L. gasseri SBT2055 increases the size of fat emulsion droplets in the intestine, which reduces the surface area available for lipase enzymes to break down dietary fat. The result is decreased fat absorption and increased fecal fat excretion. Additionally, the strain has been shown to suppress pro-inflammatory gene expression—including CCL2 and CCR2—in visceral adipose tissue, addressing the inflammatory signaling that drives fat accumulation.[14]

You can explore our full analysis of L. gasseri research in our dedicated article on Lactobacillus gasseri and weight loss.

Bifidobacterium breve: Body Fat Reduction Across Multiple Trials

Strong Clinical Evidence

Bifidobacterium breve

Bifidobacterium breve B-3 has accumulated substantial clinical evidence across three separate human trials demonstrating reductions in body fat mass, body weight, and waist circumference. The strain has received regulatory approval in South Korea specifically for body fat reduction claims.

The first human trial, published in the Journal of Nutritional Science, enrolled 52 adults with BMI values between 24 and 30. After 12 weeks of daily B. breve B-3 supplementation, the probiotic group showed significant reductions in fat mass compared to placebo, along with improvements in liver function markers (γ-GTP) and inflammatory indicators that correlated with fat mass changes.[4]

A larger follow-up RCT involving 80 pre-obese adults confirmed these results. Published in Bioscience of Microbiota, Food and Health, the trial found that participants receiving 20 billion CFU of B. breve B-3 daily for 12 weeks had significantly lower body fat mass and body fat percentage than the placebo group by weeks 8 and 12. Notably, while the placebo group experienced significant increases in visceral fat area at weeks 4 and 8, no such increase occurred in the B-3 group—suggesting the strain actively prevents visceral fat gain.[5]

A third RCT published in Nutrients in 2023 confirmed the pattern, with 83 participants showing significant reductions in body weight, body fat, waist circumference, and hip circumference in the B-3 group. The reductions in body fat were most pronounced in the trunk and android (abdominal) regions, consistent with visceral fat targeting.[15]

Understanding the broader role of Bifidobacterium species is important context here. Research suggests that obese individuals consistently harbor lower populations of bifidobacteria compared to lean individuals. For more on this connection, see our guide on Bifidobacterium deficiency and gut health.

Bifidobacterium lactis: Six-Month Evidence for Fat Control

Strong Clinical Evidence

Bifidobacterium lactis (B. animalis subsp. lactis)

While most probiotic weight-management trials run 12 weeks, the key B. lactis 420 trial lasted six months—providing rare long-term evidence for probiotic effects on body fat. The results were particularly striking in the abdominal region.

This landmark trial, published in EBioMedicine, randomized 225 healthy overweight and obese adults into four groups for six months. The combination of B. lactis 420 with prebiotic fiber produced a 4.5% reduction in body fat mass compared to placebo (equivalent to about 1.4 kg of fat loss), with the most pronounced changes occurring in the trunk—indicating preferential abdominal fat reduction. In a post-hoc factorial analysis, B. lactis 420 alone was associated with a statistically significant 4.0% reduction in body fat compared to placebo.[6]

Waist circumference decreased by 2.4 cm more in the B. lactis 420 group than in the placebo group, and the probiotic groups consumed approximately 300 fewer calories per day—without being instructed to reduce food intake. Changes in serum zonulin (a marker of intestinal permeability) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (an inflammation marker) correlated with changes in trunk fat mass, pointing toward gut barrier improvement as a central mechanism.[6]

Synbiotic Synergy: Probiotics + Prebiotics

The B. lactis 420 trial produced its strongest results when the probiotic was paired with prebiotic fiber. This aligns with the synbiotic principle behind MicroBiome Restore, which combines 26 probiotic strains—including Bifidobacterium lactis—with nine organic prebiotics such as Jerusalem artichoke and acacia fiber to nourish beneficial bacteria after they arrive in the colon.

For a broader look at Bifidobacterium lactis research, including its effects on immune function and digestive health, explore our article on Bifidobacterium lactis benefits for gut health.

Lactobacillus rhamnosus: Sustained Weight Loss in Women

Moderate Clinical Evidence

Lactobacillus rhamnosus

L. rhamnosus stands out for a unique finding in weight management research: sex-specific effects. While results in men were inconclusive, the impact on women was striking—and sustained beyond the active intervention period.

In a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial published in the British Journal of Nutrition, 125 obese men and women underwent 12 weeks of moderate calorie restriction followed by 12 weeks of weight maintenance. Half received Lactobacillus rhamnosus CGMCC1.3724 daily; the other half received placebo. During the restriction phase, women in the probiotic group lost significantly more weight than women on placebo—4.4 kg versus 2.6 kg. But the more compelling finding came during maintenance: women taking the probiotic continued losing weight and fat mass, while the placebo group began regaining.[7]

After the full 24 weeks, women in the L. rhamnosus group had lost an average of 5.2 kg compared to just 2.5 kg in the placebo group. The weight loss was accompanied by significant reductions in fat mass and circulating leptin concentrations—a hormone produced by fat cells that regulates appetite. Changes in the gut microbiota, specifically reduced abundance of bacteria from the Lachnospiraceae family, correlated with the degree of weight loss.[7]

Line graph comparing weight loss in women taking Lactobacillus rhamnosus versus placebo over 24 weeks, showing continued weight loss during maintenance phase in the probiotic group while placebo group began regaining

A follow-up analysis published in Nutrients examined the eating behavior changes and found that L. rhamnosus supplementation increased satiety efficiency and decreased disinhibition scores in women—meaning participants felt fuller after meals and experienced fewer urges to overeat.[8]

This strain's documented benefits extend well beyond weight management. For women particularly, our article on the best probiotic strains for women over 40 covers the hormonal and metabolic context, while our Lactobacillus rhamnosus benefits guide covers the broader clinical evidence across anxiety, digestive health, and urogenital support.

Lactobacillus plantarum: Metabolic Inflammation Fighter

Strong Clinical Evidence

Lactobacillus plantarum

L. plantarum brings a different angle to the belly fat equation: rather than primarily targeting fat absorption or appetite, this strain appears to work through anti-inflammatory pathways and lipid metabolism—reducing the metabolic inflammation that drives visceral fat accumulation.

A 2024 meta-analysis published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences pooled data from nine RCTs evaluating L. plantarum supplementation in overweight adults. The analysis found significant reductions in body weight, BMI, and—notably—abdominal visceral fat area. The researchers also documented significant improvements in inflammatory markers including interleukin-6 (IL-6) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), suggesting that the anti-obesity effects operate partly through inflammation reduction.[9]

Among individual trials, a randomized, double-blind study published in Diabetes & Metabolism Journal tested L. plantarum LMT1-48 in 100 overweight volunteers over 12 weeks. Body weight decreased significantly in the probiotic group (from 76.6 to 75.7 kg) while remaining unchanged in the placebo group, with concurrent reductions in waist circumference and visceral fat area. Gut microbiome analysis revealed that the probiotic increased populations of Oscillibacter species—butyrate-producing bacteria linked to improved metabolic function and DPP-4 enzyme activity.[10]

Another RCT combining L. plantarum KY1032 with L. curvatus HY7601 demonstrated reductions in body weight, visceral fat mass, and waist circumference after 12 weeks, along with increased adiponectin levels—a hormone that improves insulin sensitivity and is typically low in obese individuals.[16]

For a comprehensive look at this versatile strain's benefits beyond weight management, see our article on Lactobacillus plantarum health benefits.

Why Multi-Strain Formulations May Work Better

Comparison chart showing how five probiotic strains target belly fat through different mechanisms: L. gasseri blocks fat absorption, B. breve reduces fat cell growth, B. lactis seals gut barrier, L. rhamnosus controls appetite, and L. plantarum fights inflammation

While the individual strain evidence is compelling on its own, a growing body of research suggests that multi-strain probiotic formulations may produce superior weight management outcomes compared to single-strain products. This isn't simply marketing logic—there are mechanistic reasons why combining strains should amplify results.

Different Strains, Different Pathways

Each strain discussed above targets belly fat through distinct mechanisms. L. gasseri reduces dietary fat absorption. B. lactis strengthens intestinal barrier function. L. rhamnosus modulates appetite and satiety hormones. L. plantarum suppresses metabolic inflammation. B. breve upregulates GLP-1 and influences fat cell differentiation. A formulation combining all five isn't merely providing multiple copies of the same benefit—it's addressing belly fat from five distinct biological angles simultaneously.

Clinical Evidence for Multi-Strain Approaches

A randomized controlled study published in Scientific Reports tested a consortium of Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis, and Lactobacillus plantarum (called Lab4P) in overweight and obese adults for six months. The probiotic group achieved significant reductions in body weight (1.3 kg) and BMI (0.44 kg/m²), along with improvements in well-being markers—notably, using strains that are all present in the MicroBiome Restore formula.[13]

The L. plantarum meta-analysis found that using more than two probiotic strains together enhanced weight reduction and BMI decreases compared to single-strain formulations.[9] This aligns with the ecological principle that diverse bacterial communities create more resilient and functional gut ecosystems than monocultures.

Understanding the logic behind single-strain versus multi-strain probiotics helps clarify why a comprehensive formula may deliver broader metabolic benefits than targeting any one pathway alone.

Strain Primary Mechanism for Fat Reduction Key Trial Outcomes
L. gasseri Reduces dietary fat absorption; suppresses adipose tissue inflammation 4.6–8.5% visceral fat reduction in 12-week RCTs[1][2]
B. breve Upregulates GLP-1; modulates fat cell differentiation Significant body fat, waist, and hip reductions in 12-week RCTs[5][15]
B. lactis Strengthens gut barrier (reduces zonulin); decreases caloric intake 4.5% body fat reduction; 2.4 cm waist decrease in 6-month RCT[6]
L. rhamnosus Modulates satiety hormones (leptin); improves eating behavior 5.2 kg weight loss in women over 24 weeks (vs. 2.5 kg placebo)[7]
L. plantarum Reduces IL-6 and hs-CRP; modulates lipogenic gene expression Significant weight, BMI, and visceral fat reduction across 9 RCTs[9]

Five Clinically Studied Strains, One Formula

MicroBiome Restore contains all five of the strains discussed above—L. gasseri, B. breve, B. lactis, L. rhamnosus, and L. plantarum—alongside 21 additional strains and 9 organic prebiotics. No titanium dioxide, no microcrystalline cellulose, no magnesium stearate. 15 billion CFU delivered in acid-resistant pullulan capsules.

See the Full Formula →

What to Look for in a Probiotic for Belly Fat

With the specific strain evidence in mind, here's how to evaluate any probiotic product claiming to support body composition or belly fat reduction.

Identified Strains, Not Just Species

A label that says "Lactobacillus gasseri" tells you the species, but the clinical trials were conducted on specific strains (SBT2055, BNR17). While other strains within the same species may share mechanisms, only products that identify their strains at the sub-species level demonstrate the level of quality control associated with clinical-grade manufacturing. At minimum, look for genus, species, and strain on the label.

Clinically Relevant CFU Counts

The successful belly fat trials generally used doses ranging from 1 billion to 20 billion CFU per day, depending on the strain. A product delivering 15 billion CFU across multiple clinically relevant strains falls within the effective range established by research. More isn't necessarily better—what matters is that viable bacteria reach the colon.

Delivery System Quality

Stomach acid destroys a significant percentage of probiotic bacteria before they reach the intestine. Capsule technology matters: delayed-release options like pullulan capsules offer acid resistance while being themselves prebiotic—a dual advantage over standard gelatin or HPMC capsules.

Clean Formulation

Many probiotic supplements include fillers and flow agents that can compromise gut health. Some common additives—including microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate, and titanium dioxide—have been studied for their effects on the very bacterial populations the probiotic is supposed to support. If you're investing in a probiotic to improve your gut ecosystem, introducing additives that may harm that ecosystem is counterproductive.

Prebiotic Support

The B. lactis 420 trial demonstrated that synbiotic combinations (probiotic + prebiotic) outperformed the probiotic alone. Look for formulations that include well-researched prebiotic ingredients—such as inulin-rich Jerusalem artichoke, acacia fiber, or maitake mushroom—that selectively feed beneficial bacteria and support SCFA production.

Quality checklist for choosing a probiotic for belly fat showing five criteria: identified strains, clinically relevant CFU count, acid-resistant delivery system, no fillers or flow agents, and prebiotic support

Realistic Expectations

Clinical trials consistently show modest but meaningful effects: typical belly fat reductions range from 3–8% of visceral fat area over 12 weeks, with body weight decreases of 1–2 kg. These aren't dramatic overnight transformations. Probiotics work best as one component of a comprehensive approach that includes balanced nutrition, regular physical activity, adequate sleep, and stress management. No probiotic—no matter how well-studied—replaces those fundamentals. What the evidence does support is that the right strains can provide a measurable metabolic edge that accumulates over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which probiotic strain has the strongest evidence for reducing belly fat?

Lactobacillus gasseri currently has the most extensive clinical evidence specifically targeting visceral abdominal fat. Multiple randomized controlled trials using CT scanning to measure fat area have consistently shown 4.6–8.5% reductions in visceral fat over 12 weeks. Bifidobacterium breve B-3 and Bifidobacterium lactis 420 are close behind, with multiple RCTs demonstrating significant body fat reductions measured by DEXA.

How long do I need to take probiotics to see effects on belly fat?

Most clinical trials showing body composition changes ran for 12 weeks (about 3 months), with the B. lactis 420 trial extending to 6 months. Some studies reported measurable changes as early as 8 weeks. Importantly, the L. gasseri research showed that benefits disappeared within 4 weeks of stopping supplementation, suggesting that consistent, ongoing use is necessary to maintain results. For guidance on optimizing your protocol, see our guide on the best time to take probiotics.

Can probiotics alone help me lose belly fat without diet and exercise?

Several of the trials reviewed here specifically instructed participants to maintain their existing diet and exercise habits—and still observed significant fat reductions. So yes, probiotics can produce measurable effects independently. However, the effects are modest (3–8% visceral fat reduction, 1–2 kg body weight loss), and combining probiotics with balanced nutrition, regular movement, and healthy sleep habits will produce substantially better outcomes than any of these strategies in isolation.

Are there different probiotic strains for men versus women?

The L. rhamnosus CGMCC1.3724 trial found that its weight loss effects were specific to women—with no significant differences observed in men. Researchers speculated this could relate to dosage, study duration, or hormonal differences in how men and women metabolize probiotics. Other strains like L. gasseri, B. breve, and B. lactis have shown effects in mixed-sex populations. A multi-strain probiotic that includes strains with evidence in both sexes offers the broadest coverage.

What's the right CFU count for belly fat reduction?

Effective doses in clinical trials ranged from 1 billion to 20 billion CFU daily, depending on the strain. L. gasseri showed effects at roughly 5–10 billion CFU. B. breve B-3 produced results at 5–20 billion CFU. B. lactis 420 used 10 billion CFU. For a multi-strain formula, 15 billion total CFU falls comfortably within the range supported by the clinical literature—especially when paired with prebiotic fiber that supports bacterial colonization.

Does MicroBiome Restore contain all of these strains?

Yes. MicroBiome Restore's formula includes all five of the strains discussed in this article—Lactobacillus gasseri, Bifidobacterium breve, Bifidobacterium lactis, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, and Lactobacillus plantarum—alongside 21 additional strains and 9 organic prebiotics including Jerusalem artichoke, maitake mushroom, fig fruit, and acacia. The 15 billion CFU formula is encapsulated in acid-resistant, prebiotic pullulan capsules with no fillers or synthetic flow agents. Learn more in our complete MicroBiome Restore guide.

Conclusion: Evidence Over Hype

The gut-body fat connection is real, and specific probiotic strains have demonstrated measurable effects on visceral fat in rigorous clinical trials. The evidence is strongest for Lactobacillus gasseri, Bifidobacterium breve, and Bifidobacterium lactis, with meaningful supporting evidence for Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Lactobacillus plantarum. Each of these strains targets belly fat through different mechanisms—which is precisely why a multi-strain approach that addresses fat absorption, gut barrier function, inflammatory signaling, and appetite regulation simultaneously may offer advantages over single-strain supplementation.

What the research does not show is a probiotic miracle pill. The effects are consistent but modest, and they require ongoing supplementation to maintain. Probiotics are most effectively understood as one component of a broader metabolic strategy—not a replacement for the fundamentals of good nutrition, regular physical activity, and adequate sleep.

When choosing a probiotic with body composition goals in mind, look for clinically identified strains, adequate CFU counts within the researched range, clean formulations free from hidden fillers, and prebiotic support that helps beneficial bacteria thrive. The science is promising—and it's advancing every year.

Ready to Put the Research to Work?

MicroBiome Restore delivers the five belly-fat-targeting strains reviewed in this article—plus 21 additional strains and 9 organic prebiotics—in a single daily serving. No fillers. No flow agents. Just science-backed ingredients in acid-resistant pullulan capsules designed to reach your gut intact.

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References

  1. Kadooka, Y., Sato, M., Imaizumi, K., Ogawa, A., Ikuyama, K., Akai, Y., ... & Tsuchida, T. (2010). Regulation of abdominal adiposity by probiotics (Lactobacillus gasseri SBT2055) in adults with obese tendencies in a randomized controlled trial. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 64(6), 636–643. https://doi.org/10.1038/ejcn.2010.19
  2. Kadooka, Y., Sato, M., Ogawa, A., Miyoshi, M., Uenishi, H., Ogawa, H., ... & Tsuchida, T. (2013). Effect of Lactobacillus gasseri SBT2055 in fermented milk on abdominal adiposity in adults in a randomised controlled trial. British Journal of Nutrition, 110(9), 1696–1703. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0007114513001037
  3. Kim, J., Yun, J. M., Kim, M. K., Kwon, O., & Cho, B. (2018). Lactobacillus gasseri BNR17 supplementation reduces the visceral fat accumulation and waist circumference in obese adults: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Journal of Medicinal Food, 21(5), 454–461. https://doi.org/10.1089/jmf.2017.3937
  4. Minami, J. I., Kondo, S., Yanagisawa, N., Odamaki, T., Xiao, J. Z., Abe, F., ... & Shimoda, T. (2015). Oral administration of Bifidobacterium breve B-3 modifies metabolic functions in adults with obese tendencies in a randomised controlled trial. Journal of Nutritional Science, 4, e17. https://doi.org/10.1017/jns.2015.6
  5. Minami, J., Iwabuchi, N., Tanaka, M., Yamauchi, K., Xiao, J. Z., Abe, F., & Sakane, N. (2018). Effects of Bifidobacterium breve B-3 on body fat reductions in pre-obese adults: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Bioscience of Microbiota, Food and Health, 37(3), 67–75. https://doi.org/10.12938/bmfh.18-001
  6. Stenman, L. K., Lehtinen, M. J., Meland, N., Christensen, J. E., Yeung, N., Sber, M. T., ... & Lahtinen, S. J. (2016). Probiotic with or without fiber controls body fat mass, associated with serum zonulin, in overweight and obese adults—Randomized controlled trial. EBioMedicine, 13, 190–200. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ebiom.2016.10.036
  7. Sanchez, M., Darimont, C., Drapeau, V., Emady-Azar, S., Lepage, M., Rezzonico, E., ... & Tremblay, A. (2014). Effect of Lactobacillus rhamnosus CGMCC1.3724 supplementation on weight loss and maintenance in obese men and women. British Journal of Nutrition, 111(8), 1507–1519. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0007114513003875
  8. Sanchez, M., Darimont, C., Panahi, S., Drapeau, V., Marette, A., Taylor, V. H., Doré, J., & Tremblay, A. (2017). Effects of a diet-based weight-reducing program with probiotic supplementation on satiety efficiency, eating behaviour traits, and psychosocial behaviours in obese individuals. Nutrients, 9(3), 284. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9030284
  9. Anwar, M. A., Aljadani, H., Hatata, E. S. Z., & Dafaalla, T. I. M. (2024). The role of Lactobacillus plantarum in reducing obesity and inflammation: A meta-analysis. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 25(14), 7608. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25147608
  10. Park, S., Kim, L., Kim, B., & Lim, S. (2022). Effect of Lactobacillus plantarum LMT1-48 on body fat in overweight subjects: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Diabetes & Metabolism Journal, 46(6), 859–869. https://doi.org/10.4093/dmj.2021.0370
  11. Duan, M., Liu, F., Fu, H., Lu, S., & Wang, T. (2025). Effects of oral supplementation of probiotics on body weight and visceral fat in obese patients: A meta-analysis and systematic review. Scientific Reports, 15(1), 6326. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-90820-8
  12. Gomes, A. C., Hoffmann, C., & Mota, J. F. (2022). Probiotics' effect on visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 76(12), 1646–1656. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41430-022-01135-0
  13. Michael, D. R., Jack, A. A., Masetti, G., Davies, T. S., Loxley, K. E., Kerry-Smith, J., ... & Sherma, S. (2020). A randomised controlled study shows supplementation of overweight and obese adults with lactobacilli and bifidobacteria reduces bodyweight and improves well-being. Scientific Reports, 10(1), 4183. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-60991-7
  14. Miyoshi, M., Ogawa, A., Higurashi, S., & Kadooka, Y. (2014). Anti-obesity effect of Lactobacillus gasseri SBT2055 accompanied by inhibition of pro-inflammatory gene expression in the visceral adipose tissue in diet-induced obese mice. European Journal of Nutrition, 53(2), 599–606. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00394-013-0568-9
  15. Sung, H. K., Youn, S. J., Choi, Y., Eun, S. W., & Shin, S. M. (2023). Body fat reduction effect of Bifidobacterium breve B-3: A randomized, double-blind, placebo comparative clinical trial. Nutrients, 15(1), 28. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15010028
  16. Kim, J., Yun, J. M., Kim, M. K., Kwon, O., Kim, B., & Cho, B. (2022). Effects of Lactobacillus curvatus HY7601 and Lactobacillus plantarum KY1032 on overweight and the gut microbiota in humans: Randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Nutrients, 14(12), 2484. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14122484

About BioPhysics Essentials

BioPhysics Essentials formulates science-backed, filler-free supplements designed to support optimal gut health. Our commitment to clean formulation means no titanium dioxide, no microcrystalline cellulose, no magnesium stearate—ever. Every ingredient serves your microbiome.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making changes to your supplement regimen or weight management approach.

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Nicholas Wunder is the founder of BioPhysics Essentials. With a degree in Biology and a background in neuroscience and microbiology, he created Gut Check to cut through supplement industry marketing noise and share what the research actually says about gut health.