The Role of Probiotics in Modulating Gut Microbiota and Metabolic Health for Weight Management: A Mini Review

The rising global prevalence of obesity and its associated metabolic disorders highlights the urgent need for innovative, sustainable interventions. Probiotics, as modulators of gut microbiota, have emerged as promising agents in weight management by influencing metabolic health. This mini-review explores the role of probiotics in modulating gut microbiota to support energy metabolism, appetite regulation, and fat storage. Evidence underscores the strain-specific benefits of probiotics, such as Lactobacillus gasseri SBT2055, Bifidobacterium breve B-3, and Akkermansia muciniphila, in reducing visceral fat, improving glucose metabolism, and mitigating obesity-related inflammation. The mechanisms underlying these effects include short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production, modulation of appetite-regulating hormones, and improvements in gut barrier integrity. While the findings are promising, variability in outcomes highlights the importance of tailored probiotic interventions and underscores the need for standardized methodologies in future research. By addressing these challenges, probiotics can serve as integral components of personalized nutrition strategies, advancing both metabolic health and public health objectives.