A clinical trial about effects of prebiotic and probiotic supplementation on weight loss, psychological profile and metabolic parameters in obese subjects Original paper

What was studied?

This clinical trial studied the effects of prebiotic and probiotic supplementation on weight loss, psychological profiles, and metabolic parameters in obese subjects. The study involved 45 obese participants who were divided into three groups: one following a diet alone, one supplemented with prebiotics, and another supplemented with probiotics. The primary focus was on changes in body composition, metabolic markers like fasting glucose, and psychological factors such as anxiety, depression, and sleep quality.

Who was studied?

The study involved 45 obese adults (BMI ≥30 kg/m²) who were recruited from the Obesity Unit of the National Institute of Nutrition in Tunisia. Participants were divided into three groups that matched for age, sex, and BMI. The study excluded individuals with conditions such as renal failure, cancer, or diabetes requiring insulin treatment. The participants were observed over the course of one month.

What were the most important findings?

The study found that all three groups showed significant reductions in weight, BMI, and waist circumference. However, the prebiotic and probiotic groups demonstrated additional benefits, including a decrease in fat mass and improvements in muscle strength. Both prebiotic and probiotic supplementation resulted in a significant reduction in insulin levels and insulin resistance compared to the diet-only group. Additionally, the prebiotic group showed significant improvements in sleep quality, while all groups experienced decreases in depression, anxiety, and stress. Despite these positive outcomes, there were no significant differences between the three groups in terms of weight loss, though probiotics led to increased lean mass. Notably, probiotics were associated with a higher incidence of diarrhea in 20% of cases.

What are the implications of this study?

The study underscores the potential of prebiotics and probiotics as adjuncts to lifestyle interventions in managing obesity, especially in individuals with sarcopenic obesity. These supplements not only aid in weight loss but also improve metabolic parameters like insulin resistance, which is critical for preventing obesity-related diseases such as type 2 diabetes. The improvement in psychological parameters like anxiety and depression further supports the therapeutic potential of these supplements. The findings suggest that incorporating prebiotics and probiotics could be an effective strategy for managing obesity and associated metabolic and psychological conditions, though longer intervention periods and larger sample sizes are needed to confirm these benefits.