Probiotics May Help Your New Year’s Weight Loss Resolution
Obesity has now reached 39 percent and affected about 93 million adults in the United States. So, it is no wonder that every year an estimated 45 percent of Americans make a new year’s resolution to lose weight or get in shape. But by February about 80 percent of people will already fail at their resolutions.
The Risks of Excess Weight
Being overweight can limit a person both physically and emotionally. It can make an individual more susceptible to medical problems such as osteoarthritis, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure. Fortunately, even moderate weight loss can help reduce these risks.
Probiotic supplementation might play a role in achieving this goal.
If you are determined to lose weight and boost your sense of physical well-being, the best starting point may be in your gut.
Winning the Battle of the Bulge
Losing weight is a very personal process. Anyone who has attempted to drop the pounds will acknowledge that it is not easy to accomplish. You need every bit of support and motivation possible.
Adding probiotics to your daily regime may help you reach your weight loss goals.
The Research
A multitude of published studies suggests that probiotics can be beneficial when trying to lose weight and reduce belly fat.
Both human and animal studies have found that normal-weight people have different gut bacteria than overweight or obese people
Probiotics may enhance weight loss and provide protection against obesity by increasing levels of good bacteria
Specific probiotic strains were found to help obese women to achieve sustainable weight loss
Certain probiotics may reduce the number of calories and dietary fat absorbed from food
They also might help release the satiety (appetite-reducing) hormone called GLP-1
Probiotics may increase levels of a specific protein (ANGPTL4) to help decrease fat storage
In one study, probiotics decreased body fat by up to four percent over a six-week period
The Facts
This wide range of evidence indicates that gut bacteria may play a powerful role in weight regulation. But remember, it is only one part of the puzzle.
Proper nutrition and regular exercise are also necessary components of a long-term weight loss and a successful weight maintenance program.
Multiple Health Benefits
If you are resolved to losing weight this new year, consider the benefits of using probiotic supplements. There are scientific indications that achieving the right balance of good and bad bacteria in your digestive tract can make it easier to maintain a healthy weight.
There are many other reasons to take a probiotic supplement besides weight loss. Probiotics can improve digestive health, reduce cardiovascular risk factors, and even help fight depression.
Make a daily probiotic the top of your New Year’s resolution list.
