Lactobacillus gasseri is a probiotic supplement that has been shown in clinical studies to aid in weight loss.
This probiotic strain of bacteria is recommended for its ability to reduce fat storage, speed up the metabolism, improve digestion and to reduce belly fat.
L. gasseri is a member of the Lactobacillus or Lactic Acid producing bacteria family of probiotics. This beneficial microorganism is found in the digestive tracts of healthy individuals.
By using a dietary supplement that contains live cultures of L. gasseri bacteria, it is possible to seed the gastrointestinal tract with this friendly bacteria and promote health and weight management.
The use of Lactobacillus gasseri for weight loss was popularized on the Dr. Oz show. On this program, it was recommended to combine this probiotic with the fiber supplement acacia powder.
This powder supplement may improve weight loss results by creating a full feeling and suppressing the appetite.
While Lactobacillus gasseri supplements may support weight loss goals, better results will be achieved when following a sensible diet and exercise plan.



- Supports a healthy immune system & microflora
- Promotes digestion & nutrient absoprtion
- Combats pathogenic bacteria; Improves metabolism
Lactobacillus Gasseri for Weight Loss
Related Topics
- What are Probiotics?
- Probiotic Benefits
- Best Probiotic Strains
- Probiotic Side Effects
- Probiotic Supplements
- Probiotic Foods
- Best Probiotic Yogurt
- Probiotics for Children
- Probiotics for Women
- Yeast Infections
- What are Prebotics?
- Lactobacillus Acidophilus
- Lactobacillus Bulgaricus
- Lactobacillus Rhamnosus
- Bifidobacterium Bifidum
- Bifidobacterium Infantis
- Bifidus Regularis
There has been significant research showing that probiotics containing L. gasseri can promote weight loss and improve health in obese individuals.
There have been several mechanisms of action identified by which this probiotic bacteria may work.
A study published in the European Journal of Nutrition in 2014 showed Lactobacillus gasseri SBT2055 (LG2055) significantly prevented body weight gain, fat accumulation and pro-inflammatory gene expression in the adipose (fat) tissue.
This probiotic supplement also lowered the triglyceride levels in the blood, which can have benefits for cardiovascular health. A reduction in the expression of lipogenic genes in the liver was also noted in the clinical study.
A clinical study published in the Korean Journal of Family Medicine in March 2013 studied the Lactobacillus gasseri BNR17 strain of bacteria. This strain is found naturally in human breast milk.
When administered as an oral supplement, this probiotic bacterium helped reduce the waist and hip circumference and fat accumulation in obese individuals. These changes were observed with no diet or behavior changes during the 12 week study.
Additional Research for Fat Loss
In addition to the clinical results above, Lactobacillus gasseri has been found to promote weight loss and related metrics in animal studies.
One study published in the PLOW (Public Library of Science) Journal in January 2013 showed the anti-obesity actions of L. gasseri BNR17 in mice.
In this study, mice given the probiotic supplement exhibited elevated expression of fatty acid oxidation-related genes and a reduced level of leptin.
The results from the study also suggested the anti-diabetes activity of L. gasseri BNR17 may be to due to elevated GLUT4 (insulin regulated glucose transporter) and reduced insulin levels.
Another mice study in the Journal of Applied Microbiology in November 2009 showed Lactobacillus gasseri BNR17 can help to control blood sugar levels. The probiotic was observed to suppress blood glucose levels and improve diabetic symptoms in mice.
According to the researchers who conducted this study, this result shows that lactic acid bacteria (LAB) such as Lactobacillus gasseri may be beneficial in the treatment of Type 2 diabetes in humans.
The blood glucose-lowering effects of probiotics in general can further support weight loss by inhibiting the process of adipogenesis, which is how fat is stored in the body.
Combining certain strains of Lactobacillus may improve weight loss results.
According to a study published in Microbial Pathogenesis in August 2012, the probiotic strain Lactobacillus gasseri was associated with weight loss both in obese humans and in animals. The probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum was also connected with weight loss in animals.
It was noted in this clinical study that different Lactobacillus species are associated with different effects on weight change.
Some Lactobacillus strains are associated with weight gain in animals such as Lactobacillus fermentum and Lactobacillus ingluviei. Lactobacillus acidophilus is also associated with weight gain in humans and in animals.
L. Gasseri for Inflammation and Insulin Resistance
In addition to supporting weight loss, Lactobacillus gasseri pills may combat some of the negative side effects associated with obesity.
Research shows that individual who are obese often experience higher levels of chronic inflammation, which can also lead to insulin resistance and increase the risk of developing diabetes.
A clinical study in the British Journal of Nutrition in October 2015 showed that Lactobacillus gasseri SBT2055 (LG2055) reduces inflammation that occurs when eating a high fat diet. If this inflammation is left unchecked, it can cause the cells to become less sensitive to insulin.
By preventing this inflammation, normal insulin sensitivity may be restored which can have wide-ranging benefits for health.
Is Lactobacillus Gasseri Safe for your Diet?
Probiotics are considered to be generally safe, with a low reported occurrence of side effects for the majority of users. However, in some cases, gastrointestinal side effects can occur when introducing these supplements to your diet.
The most common side effect from taking Lactobacillus Gasseri capsules is flatulence (gas), diarrhea or stomach discomfort. In most cases, these side effects are transient and subside within a few days of beginning use.
While safe for most people, some individuals with impaired immune systems should not take probiotics.
People with open surgical wounds, individuals using a catheter and those diagnosed with SBS (Short Bowel Syndrome) should also avoid probiotics.
For those allergic to milk, dairy-based probiotics should be avoided.
The Lactobacillus Gasseri probiotic strain has not been tested as safe to take during pregnancy, but this bacterium is found naturally in breast milk. It is best to consult with a medical professional before taking supplements during pregnancy or while breast feeding.
Lactobacillus Gasseri is a helpful supplement to take while trying to lose weight and may have positive benefits for blood sugar control and insulin sensitivity. It has been shown to reduce belly fat and to reduce hip and waist circumference in obese individuals.
If you are interested in using Lactobacillus Gasseri for weight loss, it is recommended to speak to your doctor first to determine whether this supplement is appropriate for you.
Your doctor can also recommend important diet and lifestyle habits that will support your weight loss goals.
- Ukibe K, Administration of Lactobacillus gasseri SBT2055 suppresses macrophage infiltration into adipose tissue in diet-induced obese mice. Biochem Pharmacol. 1976 Oct 15;25(20):2241-4. Br J Nutr 2015 Oct 28;114(8):1180-7. doi: 10.1017/S0007114515002627. Epub 2015 Aug 24.
- Miyoshi M, Anti-obesity effect of Lactobacillus gasseri SBT2055 accompanied by inhibition of pro-inflammatory gene expression in the visceral adipose tissue in diet-induced obese mice. Eur J Nutr 2014;53(2):599-606. doi: 10.1007/s00394-013-0568-9. Epub 2013 Aug 6.
- Jung SP, Effect of Lactobacillus gasseri BNR17 on Overweight and Obese Adults: A Randomized, Double-Blind Clinical Trial. Korean J Fam Med 2013 Mar;34(2):80-9. doi: 10.4082/kjfm.2013.34.2.80. Epub 2013 Mar 20.
- Kang JH, Anti-obesity effect of Lactobacillus gasseri BNR17 in high-sucrose diet-induced obese mice. Plos One 2013;8(1):e54617. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0054617. Epub 2013 Jan 30.
- Yun SI, Effect of Lactobacillus gasseri BNR17 on blood glucose levels and body weight in a mouse model of type 2 diabetes. J Appl Microbiol 2009 Nov;107(5):1681-6. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2672.2009.04350.x. Epub 2009 Apr 21.
- Million M, Comparative meta-analysis of the effect of Lactobacillus species on weight gain in humans and animals. Microb Pathog 2012 Aug;53(2):100-8. doi: 10.1016/j.micpath.2012.05.007. Epub 2012 May 24.
Article last updated on: April 6th, 2018 by Nootriment