If you’re looking for a way to jumpstart your weight loss journey, taking a daily probiotic supplement can help. Weight loss probiotics are formulated with beneficial bacteria such as Lactobacillus Gasseri, which has been shown to reduce body weight, body mass index (BMI), waist size, and hip circumference.
The best probiotics for weight loss can offer a variety of gut health benefits such as reduced belly fat, less bloating, better digestion, and fewer cravings.
We’ve reviewed the best weight loss probiotics on the market to help you find the right formula for your needs. Each of the probiotic supplements for weight loss below were rated on a variety of factors including type of bacteria strains, CFU count, price, and user reviews.
5 Best Probiotics for Weight Loss
- YourBiology Gut+ (Best for Women)
- Biotics 8 (Best for Men)
- Garden of Life Dr. Formulated Probiotics Fitbiotic Powder
- Metagenics UltraFlora Control
- Physician’s Choice Thin 30 Probiotic
Review of the Top Weight Loss Probiotics
#1. YourBiology Gut+: Best Fat-Burning Probiotic for Women
YourBiology Gut+ is our top pick for the most effective probiotic for weight control. YourBiology aims to solve one of the most significant hurdles probiotic manufacturers face: survival rate. Many formulas have questionable effectiveness because they fail to deliver live bacteria to the gut, where all the beneficial absorption takes place.
YourBiology designed its Gut+ probiotic formula with a survival rate 250 times better than standard supplements. Patented MAKtrek® capsule technology protects the bacteria from stomach acid to ensure it’s still alive when it reaches the small intestine. By preventing absorption in the stomach, the Gut+ formula doesn’t cause the gas and stomach upset that other supplements may produce.
Gut+ also stands above competitors with a high number of colony-forming units (CFUs). A probiotic supplement’s CFU count refers to the number of live microorganisms present per serving. Each serving of YourBiology Gut+ contains 40 billion CFUs from four clinically proven bacterial strains:
- Lactobacillus acidophilus supports gut health and a balanced gut microbiome.
- Bifidobacterium lactis promotes easier elimination through improved food breakdown, nutrient absorption, and more.
- Lactobacillus plantarum helps reduce cramping, bloating, and other stomach upset.
- Lactobacillus paracasei may decrease inflammation, support healthy skin, and strengthen the immune system.
The YourBiology Gut+ website includes a list of sources if you want to learn more about the benefits of these bacterial strains.
Product Benefits
The Gut+ probiotic supplement offers many benefits, including:
- Calmer digestion
- Improved elimination
- Digestive regularity
- Reduced bloating
- Faster metabolism
- Feeling lighter and leaner
- Increased energy and focus
- Strengthened immunity
- Better skin health
Reviewers also report feeling lighter, slimmer, and more regular in as few as two weeks.
Product Highlights
Let’s explore some notable highlights that make Gut+ one of the best probiotics for weight loss and overall health:
Weight loss support: The potential weight loss benefits of this probiotic stem from more regular bowel movements, decreased appetite, boosted metabolism, and increased energy. In reviews, customers report feeling leaner, with some experiencing significant slimming results. One reviewer went down two pant sizes in just one month after starting supplementation with Gut+.
Formulated for women: While many supplements use formulas geared toward the general consumer, YourBiology formulated Gut+ is specifically for women. The formula supports women’s health by balancing vaginal flora, boosting energy and mood, promoting a healthy digestive system, and more.
Contains prebiotic fiber: The live bacteria in probiotics need food to thrive. The prebiotic fiber in Gut+ ensures the beneficial bacteria strains have what they need for healthy growth.
No refrigeration required: Some probiotic formulas require refrigeration to keep the bacteria alive, but Gut+ is conveniently shelf stable.
60-day money-back guarantee: YourBiology offers their probiotics risk-free with a money-back guarantee. If Gut+ doesn’t provide the benefits you need, you have two months to get a full refund (excluding shipping fees).
We highly recommend this dairy-, soy-, and gluten-free formula if you need help losing weight. Women searching for a safe supplement for weight management and improved gut health won’t regret giving Gut+ a try.
#2. Biotics 8: Best Probiotic for Men’s Weight Loss
Men looking for effective probiotics to promote healthy digestion and weight loss should consider Biotics 8. This probiotic supplement targets men of all ages who want to strengthen the gut-brain axis, which refers to the connection between the gut microbiome and the central nervous system. The central nervous system controls everything from stress responses to memory function, so balancing the microorganisms in the gut can directly impact mental health.
Like YourBiology Gut+, Biotics 8 provides potentially superior absorption of healthy bacteria using a strong, stomach acid-resistant capsule. While some probiotic supplements use weak gelatin capsules, Biotics 8 takes advantage of vegetarian-friendly hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) capsules that provide better moisture and stomach acid resistance.
One serving of Biotics 8 contains ten strains of bacteria for a total of 20 billion CFUs. The strains included in this probiotic formula include the following:
- Saccharomyces boulardii helps with colon inflammation, reduces diarrhea, and may boost endurance.
- Lactobacillus casei promotes easier bowel movements and may increase serotonin levels for relief from stress.
- Lactobacillus rhamnosus may help strengthen the gut lining, which helps prevent a leaky gut and reduce symptoms of IBS.
- Lactobacillus plantarum helps with IBS and prevents cramping. It may also boost sperm count and motility.
- Lactobacillus acidophilus supports weight loss and helps with IBS and leaky gut.
- Lactobacillus paracasei reduces bloating, gas, and constipation and may help prevent weight gain by reducing fat storage.
- Lactobacillus fermentum supports the immune system, reduces inflammation, and may help decrease anxiety.
- Bifidobacterium longum promotes gastrointestinal health and immune function and can help fight illness.
- Bifidobacterium breve may help you lose weight by lowering body fat mass and boosting muscle mass.
- Bifidobacterium bifidum reduces gas, bloating, and other IBS symptoms.
The formula also contains digestive enzymes to help break down food for smoother digestion and elimination. It’s soy-, dairy-, and gluten-free.
Product Benefits
Benefits of using Biotics 8 include:
- Smoother digestion
- Less gas and bloating
- Easier and more regular eliminations
- Boosted testosterone levels
- Increased muscle mass
- Reduced appetite
- Fortified immunity
- Less stress and anxiety
- Better focus
The Biotics 8 website includes a long list of scientific sources explaining the many benefits of this probiotic supplement.
Product Highlights
Biotics 8 sits high on this list of the best probiotics for weight loss and gut health for many reasons, including:
- Prebiotic fiber: Chicory root prebiotic fiber supports bacterial growth in the gut.
- Vitamin D: Consumers experience extra mood-boosting effects with a daily source of vitamin D.
- Body weight management: Various strains in Biotics 8 support fat loss and muscle growth.
- Shelf stability: Consumers don’t need to refrigerate these dietary supplements to maintain effectiveness.
- Money-back guarantee: Biotics 8 offers a 60-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it risk-free.
Biotics 8 is formulated for men to support gut health, boost mood, and aid with weight management. If you need help finding effective probiotics for weight loss, give this excellent product a try.
#3. Garden of Life Dr. Formulated Probiotics Fitbiotic Powder: Good for Healthy Digestion and Elimination
Garden of Life formulated its gluten-free Fitbiotic supplement specifically to help consumers maximize their weight-shedding efforts. Fitbiotic contains 50 billion CFUs per serving to support immune health and digestive health, relieve gut issues, and promote weight loss. It combines 14 strains of bacteria, including Lactobacillus gasseri and Lactobacillus rhamnosus, shown in clinical trials to help users lose weight.
Fitbiotic is a certified USDA organic product, and the company also boasts Carbonfree certification, which means it offsets carbon emissions through carbon reduction projects.
Product Benefits
Benefits of taking Fitbiotic include:
- More balanced gut microbiome
- Improved digestive health
- Easier elimination
- Reduced constipation
- Boosted immunity
- Decreased appetite
- Weight management support
If you’re looking for a good probiotic supplement designed to help you lose weight, consider Fitbiotic.
Product Highlights
The most important highlights of this probiotic supplement include the following:
- Contains a prebiotic powder supplement: The Fitbiotic formula contains organic Acacia prebiotic fiber that feeds the good bacteria and helps users feel full.
- Does not require refrigeration: Fitbiotic is a shelf-stable probiotic powder that users mix into food or beverages. *Mixing this supplement into hot food can negate the beneficial effects by killing the live bacteria.
- Specifically formulated for weight loss: This supplement takes advantage of clinically studied bacterial strains shown to help with weight management.
Verified reviewers of Fitbiotic hail it as highly effective for better gut health and weight loss efforts but tend to recommend mixing the powder into cold foods rather than trying to dissolve it in water. One reviewer mixes the powder into her yogurt in the mornings.
#4. Metagenics UltraFlora Control: Recommended for Intestinal Health and Belly Fat
If you prefer capsules over powders, consider UltraFlora Control by Metagenics. This probiotic supplement is formulated to support weight regulation in addition to providing the usual gut benefits. Each serving contains 10 billion CFUs of Bifidobacterium lactis B-420, a trademarked bacterial strain shown in a study to help regulate body weight, decrease food consumption, and promote a slimmer waist.
Metagenics spends $1.5 million on quality testing every year, and the company guarantees the CFU counts in its probiotics through the expiration date.
Product Benefits
Taking UltraFlora Control provides the following potential benefits:
- Improved overall gut health
- Calmer digestion
- Reduced gas and bloating
- Decreased inflammation
- Weight regulation
- Reduced body fat
- Stress relief
This supplement only contains one bacteria strain, so it’s an excellent option for consumers who have never tried probiotics for weight loss. It’s also non-GMO and gluten-free.
Product Highlights
Let’s look at the two main highlights of this product:
Targeted for weight regulation: Like Fitbiotic, UltraFlora Control specifically targets weight loss efforts through carefully selected live bacteria. Bifidobacterium lactis B-420 has been shown to prevent weight gain, reduce body fat mass, and more.
Money-back guarantee: Metagenics offers a 60-day satisfaction guarantee. Reviewers also report quick responses to shipping issues and other concerns.
Consumers who have left reviews on the Metagenics website report excellent weight loss results. One reviewer explains how she lost 13 pounds with the help of UltraFlora Control.
*Unlike the other products on this list of the best probiotics for weight loss, UltraFlora Control must be refrigerated to ensure the bacteria remain alive.
#5. Physician’s Choice Thin 30 Probiotic: Popular for Fat Burning and Metabolism
The last probiotic supplement on this list offers another formula produced with specific probiotic strains to support weight loss. Thin 30 Probiotic contains bacterial strains clinically proven to help with weight management, including Lactobacillus gasseri and Bifidobacterium lactis. With 15 billion CFUs per serving, this high-quality probiotic supplement boosts fat metabolism and supports gut and digestive health.
Delayed-release capsules help the bacteria survive the body’s stomach acid to ensure they get where they need to go for the best results.
Product Benefits
Benefits of taking Thin 30 Probiotic include:
- Improved digestive health
- More balanced gut bacteria
- Better bowel regularity
- Reduced bloating
- Boosted fat metabolism
- Fewer food cravings
- More energy
Consumers enjoy gut health benefits and the support they need to prevent weight gain and shed excess fat.
Product Highlights
This probiotic supplement offers more than just probiotics to help users lose weight. The formula also contains the following ingredients:
- The Greenselect® Phytosome ingredient is a caffeine-free green tea complex that promotes increased energy and supports weight maintenance.
- Capsimax® helps burn off body fat mass and reduce appetite through the power of capsaicinoids.
- Apple cider vinegar supports the metabolism of lipids and fats in the body for improved weight control.
- Chicory root helps the body absorb nutrients and digest fat. It also boosts immunity in the intestines through antioxidant polyphenols.
Many reviewers of Thin 30 Probiotic report successful weight loss. One reviewer shares her experience of losing eight pounds “without even trying.” Reviewers enjoy flatter stomachs, fewer cravings, and an overall feeling of gut balance.
What Are Probiotics?
The gut microbiome in the human body contains beneficial and harmful microorganisms, and unpleasant symptoms can occur when gut bacteria become unbalanced. Probiotics are the beneficial live bacteria people consume to help balance the gut, which supports the digestive system, immune system, and overall health. You probably ingest good bacteria in your regular diet if you eat a lot of fermented foods, such as yogurt, cottage cheese, sauerkraut, kimchi, miso, and kombucha.
Many people take probiotic supplements daily for a healthier gut and easier bowel movements. Many reviewers of the products listed above report relief from chronic digestive issues after starting supplementation.
Examples of digestive and other problems probiotics may help with include:
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Lactose intolerance
- High cholesterol
- Skin conditions
- Inflammation
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
Scientists and other professionals continue to study the effects of probiotics. Although probiotics may help support digestive health and other health benefits, people with certain health conditions shouldn’t take probiotic supplements.
For example, you shouldn’t take probiotics if you:
- Have HIV or other immune system conditions
- Have a heart condition
- Take immunosuppressants
- Recently had a surgery
- Are undergoing radiation or chemotherapy
- Are pregnant or nursing
If you’re unsure if probiotics are right for you, talk to your doctor before you commit to a new probiotic supplement.
How Do Probiotic Supplements Help with Weight Loss?
You may wonder, how does balancing the gut microbiome help with weight loss? Probiotics do more than just encourage more regular bowel movements. They may also support appetite control, reduced fat storage, and less inflammation, which results in consumers feeling slimmer and more in control of their body weight.
Scientists continue to research the relationship between obesity and gut microbiota, but researchers have begun investigating the viability of probiotics as an obesity treatment in recent years. Studies show promising weight management results through probiotic supplements.
The best probiotics for weight loss don’t contain just any probiotic strains. Let’s explore three probiotic strains with promising results in clinical trials:
- Lactobacillus rhamnosus: A 24-week study on the effects of lactobacillus rhamnosus on obese men and women found differing results depending on the subject’s sex. The women in the study experienced sustained higher weight loss compared to the placebo group, while the men did not experience significant change.
- Lactobacillus gasseri: A 12-week study on the effects of lactobacillus gasseri supplementation for overweight and obese adults saw reductions in hip and waist circumference compared to the placebo group. Another study compared three groups with high, low, and placebo doses. It found a more significant reduction in fat with higher doses and no change in the placebo group.
- Bifidobacterium lactis: A study on overweight and obese Japanese adults noted a significant reduction in visceral fat in the group taking this probiotic strain compared to the placebo group.
Scientists will undoubtedly conduct more research and clinical trials to further understand the weight loss benefits of taking these and other probiotic strains.
How We Ranked the Top Weight Loss Probiotics
Effective probiotic supplementation requires choosing a high-quality product. The above list presents the best probiotic supplements based on the following considerations:
Probiotic Strains
This list prioritizes supplements with proven strains of good bacteria with a focus on certain probiotic strains that support weight loss efforts. The products on this list all feature effective bacterial strains with supporting research and clinical evidence. The bacteria these supplements contain may help reduce weight gain, waist circumference, and overall body fat.
These products also contain probiotic strains proven to promote a healthy immune system, healthy digestion, gut bacteria balance, and more.
Colony Forming Units (CFUs)
The average probiotic supplement for women contains between 1 and 10 billion CFUs, but this list includes the best of the best with 10 to 50 billion CFUs. While higher numbers don’t necessarily equate to more effective supplements, the products on our list also boast protective capsule technology and clinically proven probiotic strains for optimal benefits.
User Reviews
You should always gather opinions from real-life customers before purchasing any product, so user reviews were an obvious ranking factor for this list. We prioritized products with many glowing reviews from verified purchasers and used those reviews to understand the real benefits of each dietary supplement.
Price Per Serving
Probiotics can cost hundreds of dollars, but you don’t need to break the bank to get high-quality supplements. The products on our list of the best probiotics for weight loss offer reasonable prices for excellent quality. Below, we’ve provided a breakdown of how much each product costs per serving:
- YourBiology Gut+ charges $59.99 for a 60-capsule bottle. Each two-capsule serving costs about $2.
- Biotics 8 charges $59.99 for 90 capsules, and each three-capsule serving costs about $2.
- Fibiotic powder costs $40.79 for a box of 20 packets, putting the single packet price around $2.04.
- UltraFlora Control charges $45.50 for a 30-capsule bottle, and each single-capsule serving costs around $1.52.
- Thin 30 Probiotic costs $34.95 for 30 capsules, with a low price per serving at around $1.17.
If you hesitate to try probiotics because of the price, choose a product with a satisfaction guarantee. Several supplements on our list offer multi-month trial periods with money-back guarantees. If the supplement doesn’t provide the expected benefits or you’re unsatisfied with the product, you can get a full refund.
*All prices listed here come from the official website for each probiotic supplement and are subject to change.
Which Probiotic Strains Promote Weight Loss?
You can typically find seven primary genera of bacteria in probiotic supplements, but not every genus provides the same benefits. Two bacteria families with the potential to help with weight loss include:
1. Lactobacillus
A review of studies including Lactobacillus bacteria strains noted significant body mass index (BMI) reduction and fat mass reduction. Another review analyzes the weight loss effects of specific Lactobacillus bacteria.
Here’s a quick overview of some of the findings from these reviews:
- Lactobacillus fermentum and Lactobacillus amylovorus were shown to decrease total body fat mass.
- Lactobacillus gasseri has been shown to reduce waist circumference, BMI, and fat content in the body.
- Lactobacillus acidophilus combined with other strains and a healthy, consistent diet resulted in reduced polyunsaturated fatty acids and slimmer waist circumference in women.
- Lactobacillus plantarum and Lactobacillus curvatus were shown to reduce body weight and decrease fatty tissue.
- Lactobacillus rhamnosus helps reduce weight gain by preventing fat accumulation in the liver.
2. Bifidobacterium
Researchers have studied fewer Bifidobacterium strains in relationship to weight loss, but a couple of studies show promising results:
- The second review linked above also explains the results of a study using Bifidobacterium lactis and Bifidobacterium bifidum, among other bacteria strains. This study showed decreased total cholesterol, fat tissue, and waist circumference.
- A 2018 study saw a decrease in women’s BMIs, waist measurements, and visceral fat area after taking Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis for three months.
You may recognize some of these Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains because you’ll find them in the probiotics listed at the beginning of this article.
Frequently Asked Questions About Probiotics and Weight Loss
What types of probiotics are best for weight loss?
Since different bacteria strains provide various benefits, the best probiotics for weight loss contain strains clinically proven to reduce body weight. For example, YourBiology Gut+ may help with weight loss thanks to the Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium lactis, and Lactobacillus plantarum strains in the formula.
To find the best probiotics for weight loss, we looked for supplements containing strains like these or specifically formulated for the task of helping consumers lose weight. As researchers continue to learn about the beneficial effects of probiotics, we expect to see even more products on the market geared toward weight management.
How much weight can you lose by taking Lactobacillus gasseri?
A study from 2013 noted a significant reduction in visceral fat after eight and 12 weeks of taking this strain compared to the placebo group. It also found substantial decreases in waist and hip circumference, BMI, and fat percentage.
Although we can’t promise you’ll shed a certain number of pounds taking a daily probiotic containing this strain, studies indicate it can help you lose weight if taken continually.
Can you lose weight by just taking a probiotic supplement?
If you want to lose weight, a probiotic supplement can help but may not provide the results you’re looking for on its own. Some consumers experience significant weight loss just by taking probiotics, but others must also maintain a healthy diet and regular exercise program to see the results they want.
If you’re taking probiotics but also eating a high-fat diet and not getting much activity, you may not experience significant fat loss. For the best results, pair your daily probiotic supplement with healthy food choices and get at least 30 minutes of activity every day. Even a short walk around your neighborhood can help you burn calories and shed more weight.
Can probiotics speed up your metabolism?
Studies have shown that probiotics boost fat metabolism and thermogenesis. Improved metabolism may help you decrease fat storage, and increased thermogenesis means more calories burned.
Probiotics can also help reduce inflammation in the body and prevent the storage of new fat cells. Probiotic bacteria aid the production of short-chain fatty acids like acetate, butyrate, and propionate, which stop the body from absorbing fat. Probiotics also boost levels of fat-regulating proteins that help reduce fat.
How long does it take for probiotics to help with weight loss?
Everyone loses weight at different rates, but you can expect to notice the effects of taking a supplement within four to eight weeks. When you begin taking probiotics for weight loss, remember that eating junk food and avoiding activity may hurt your progress. You may struggle to shed excess fat if your diet and exercise habits stay the same.
What are the signs you need probiotics?
If you’ve been diagnosed with IBS or another digestive health condition, your doctor may recommend probiotics, but not everyone sees a doctor for tummy troubles. If you’re not sure how to tell if you need probiotics, consider the following signs that you could benefit from more good gut bacteria:
- You’ve been diagnosed with IBS, IBD, Crohn’s disease, or ulcerative colitis.
- You often struggle with bloating, gas, stomach pain, constipation, diarrhea, or other digestive issues.
- You regularly deal with brain fog, memory issues, and other cognitive dysfunctions.
- You suffer from stress, anxiety, or depression.
- You want to lose weight.
Discuss probiotics with your primary care physician if you’re unsure about starting supplementation. You can also consume more probiotic foods to introduce more good bacteria into your gut without supplements. Fermented foods like miso, yogurt, sourdough bread, kimchi, and certain cheeses contain many good bacteria.
Can probiotic supplements help reduce belly fat?
Many users of probiotics experience flatter stomachs due to decreased inflammation and bloating. Studies also show that a daily probiotic with the proper strains can help reduce waist circumference.
The fat loss effects you experience will depend on many factors, but many reviewers of the supplements listed above report flatter tummies and effective weight loss.
If you take probiotics to lose weight, combine your supplement with a healthy diet and exercise routine to get the most out of your efforts. You may also incorporate meditation or yoga into your routine for better stress relief.
Do Probiotics Cause Side Effects?
Some consumers experience temporary side effects when they first take a probiotic supplement, such as bloating, gas, and constipation. These effects tend to subside with continued use as the body becomes accustomed to the supplement. Before taking any dietary supplement, read the label carefully to ensure it doesn’t contain any ingredients you have allergies to.
Final Thoughts on Using Probiotics to Lose Weight
A growing pool of research shows promising results in the weight maintenance effects of taking a properly-formulated probiotic supplement. Taking the right probiotic strain may help boost your metabolism, suppress food cravings, raise energy levels, and much more.
Whether you’re looking for a vegan probiotic supplement formulated for women’s health or one specifically designed for losing weight, you’ll find excellent options on our list of the best probiotics for weight loss. Give one a shot to experience the benefits of a healthy gut.
Summary of the Top Recommended Weight Management Probiotics
- YourBiology Gut+ (Best for Women)
- Biotics 8 (Best for Men)
- Garden of Life Dr. Formulated Probiotics Fitbiotic Powder
- Metagenics UltraFlora Control
- Physician’s Choice Thin 30 Probiotic
