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Microbes & Immunity Probiotics & obesity

Human vs. animal models. Jucker discussed how • Bridging the gap between animal and human research
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physiological differences between humans and animals through translational studies that enhance clinical
hinder the direct translation of results. As a result, animal relevance.
models may not fully replicate human disease mechanisms. • Developing personalized probiotic therapies that
This discrepancy impacts the applicability of findings to account for individual gut microbiome variations and
clinical practice. host responses.
Small sample sizes and short follow‑ups. Many • Integrating diet and lifestyle factors into probiotic
studies have been reported to have a limited number of intervention strategies to maximize their effectiveness.
participants and brief follow-up periods. These constraints Future research efforts focused on these areas will
reduce statistical power and the reliability of conclusions. enhance our understanding of probiotics and their role in
Therefore, longer and larger studies are needed to generate metabolic health, ultimately improving clinical applications
stronger evidence. 31
Variability in probiotic strains and dosages. Differences in 7. Conclusion
probiotic types, dosages, and study conditions impact study This systematic review emphasizes the growing body of
outcomes. In addition, inconsistent protocols make it difficult evidence supporting the potential of probiotics, particularly
to determine the most effective formulations. Therefore, those from the genera Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium,
standardization is essential for improved reproducibility. 32 as promising therapeutic agents for managing obesity and
Publication bias and confounding factors. Bias in research its associated comorbidities. The studies included in this
can arise from selective reporting and publication bias, review demonstrated significant effects of probiotics on gut
where studies with positive results are more likely to be microbiota modulation, enhanced production of SCFAs,
published, leading to an overestimation of treatment effects. improved glycemic control, and reductions in body weight,
BMI, and fat mass. Specific strains, such as L. plantarum
In addition, uncontrolled variables such as diet, lifestyle, NCHBL-004 and combinations of Lactobacillus with
and genetics can significantly influence study outcomes. Bifidobacterium, have shown notable benefits in weight
For instance, genetic predispositions can affect eating loss and metabolic health, as well as improvements in gut
behaviors, which in turn impact health-related research microbiota diversity. However, the interpretation of these
findings. These factors underscore the importance of promising results is limited by several factors, including
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rigorous study design and comprehensive data analysis to variations in study designs, reliance on animal models, and
ensure reliable and valid conclusions.
small sample sizes in human trials. The interaction between
6. Key unresolved issues and future probiotic dosage, pre-existing gut microbiota composition,
direction and individual responses further highlights the need for
personalized approaches to probiotic treatment.
The following key unresolved issues require deeper
investigation in future research: the long-term effects of Acknowledgments
probiotics on obesity; optimal strain combinations and None.
dosages for maximum efficacy; a mechanistic understanding
of how probiotics influence obesity and related metabolic Funding
pathways; the role of diet, lifestyle, and host genetics in
modulating probiotic effects; and inconsistencies between None.
animal and human study outcomes. Conflict of interest
To address these challenges, the following research
directions should be prioritized: The authors declare that there are no conflicts of interest.
• Conducting long-term clinical trials to evaluate Author contributions
the sustained effects of probiotics on obesity and
metabolic health. Conceptualization: All authors
• Establishing standardized probiotic strains and Formal analysis: Krishnaraj Narayanan, Jz Kamille Eclarin,
dosages to ensure consistency and reproducibility Alec Arbona
across studies. Writing – original draft: Krishnaraj Narayanan, Jz Kamille
• Utilizing multi-omics approaches (e.g., metagenomics, Eclarin, Alec Arbona
metabolomics, transcriptomics) to uncover the Writing – review & editing: Krishnaraj Narayanan, Jz Kamille
underlying mechanisms of probiotic action. Eclarin, Alec Arbona, Nagendran Tharmalingam

Volume 2 Issue 2 (2025) 43 doi: 10.36922/mi.8358