The key to fighting obesity is within us. The microbiota—intestinal microorganisms—can significantly influence our weight and health. One such microorganism, Lactobacillus plantarum, can help control weight, improve gut function, lower cholesterol levels, and strengthen immunity.
Obesity is influenced by various factors: poor diet and sedentary lifestyle, environmental factors, genetics, nervous system function, hormones, and microbiota. Changes in the microbiota composition, such as the ratio of Bacteroidetes to Firmicutes bacteria, are linked to obesity. Different strains of Lactobacillus plantarum can affect weight differently: some help control weight, while others promote weight gain.
Lactobacillus plantarum, a common component of probiotic products, shows promising results in clinical studies. These bacteria help improve gastrointestinal function, reduce cholesterol levels, and strengthen immunity. One of the main benefits of Lactobacillus plantarum is its ability to regulate body weight. L. plantarum can affect weight by altering gut microbiota composition, influencing the immune system, and affecting metabolism. However, research results are still inconsistent and heterogeneous. No meta-analysis has yet been conducted on the impact of L. plantarum on obesity in healthy adults.
Taiwanese scientists have shown that L. plantarum supplements can lead to significant weight loss and improved metabolic health compared to placebo in healthy adults, explaining why this happens.
Researchers conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of nine scientific studies on the effects of L. plantarum on body weight or BMI. The total number of participants in the studies was 667 obese adults.
Results of the Meta-Analysis
Lactobacillus plantarum helps reduce weight and BMI in obese adults. Other Lactobacillus strains, such as L. gasseri and L. rhamnosus, are also effective against obesity:
- L. gasseri reduces abdominal fat by regulating lipid absorption.
- L. rhamnosus affects hormones that regulate appetite.
- A combination of several Lactobacillus strains can have a more pronounced effect on weight loss.
The composition of the gut microbiota can influence obesity. Obese individuals have higher levels of Firmicutes bacteria and lower levels of Bacteroidetes. Strains like L. gasseri and L. plantarum promote weight loss in obese individuals. A typical Korean diet, rich in fermented foods, can enhance the effects of L. plantarum.
Recent meta-analyses have shown that L. reuteri and L. plantarum effectively lower total cholesterol and LDL levels but do not affect triglycerides and HDL levels. However, this meta-analysis showed that L. plantarum does not affect cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, HDL, and subcutaneous abdominal fat but significantly reduces the amount of abdominal visceral fat.
Probiotics reduce inflammation and increase insulin sensitivity in the hypothalamus, preventing the penetration of bacterial substances—toxins, proteins, and lipopolysaccharides—through the epithelial barrier. Thus, it leads to reduced food intake and lower BMI and body weight.
L. plantarum lowers levels of inflammatory markers IL-6 and hs-CRP, consistent with their positive effects on metabolic health. IL-6 is abundantly secreted by adipose tissue and is considered an indicator of chronic inflammation in adipose tissue. Adipocytes and the liver produce CRP in response to IL-6. Elevated hs-CRP levels are considered a risk marker for cardiovascular diseases and are associated with insulin resistance. Hs-CRP is linked to obesity, while weight loss significantly reduces hs-CRP levels in the blood and is associated with improved insulin resistance. A recent meta-analysis showed that probiotics lower blood glucose levels in people with diabetes. L. plantarum intake can reduce blood glucose levels and stabilize serum insulin concentrations.
Conclusion
The obesity problem can be addressed through diet and exercise and by improving the gut microbiota composition. Probiotic microorganisms like Lactobacillus plantarum can help lose weight and improve metabolic health. L. plantarum regulates body weight and helps reduce inflammation, lower blood glucose levels, and stabilize insulin.
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Reference
The Role of Lactobacillus plantarum in Reducing Obesity and Inflammation: A Meta-Analysis
