Kimchi-derived probiotic (Weissella confusa WIKIM51) cut weight and visceral fat in a 12-week trial, but the manufacturer paid for it
- Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in overweight adults (61 completers).
- Probiotic group lost 3.38 kg; placebo gained 1.14 kg (4.40 kg difference).
- Visceral fat (CT scan), total fat mass (DEXA) and triglycerides (-33 mg/dL) dropped significantly more than with placebo. Cholesterol and HbA1c improved but not significantly vs placebo.
- GLP-1 link is unproven: it was seen only in cell/mouse experiments; the human trial never measured it.
Caveats:
- Funded by the company that sells the probiotic (Pharmsville); 6 of 10 authors are employees.
- Single trial, moderate sample, no follow-up after 12 weeks, no independent replication.
- Probiotic effects are strain-specific, so this says nothing about generic probiotics.
Source: Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology.