Effects of probiotics fermented milk products on obesity measure among adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials

Current evidence suggests that gut dysbiosis has a pivotal role in progression of obesity. Probiotics fermented milk products (PFMP) by influencing the functions of gut microbiota might bring protective effects against obesity; however, findings of available randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are conflicting. The aim of this study was systematically review and analyse RCTs assessing the effects of PFMP supplementation on anthropometric indices. PubMed, Scopus, ISI Web of science and Cochrane Library were searched up to August 2020. A total of 19 RCTs (with 22 treatment arms) were included and reporting data about PFMP and body weight (BW), body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC) and body fat percentage (BF%) were analyzed. Two authors independently extracted the data and assessed the risk of bias using the Cochran risk of bias tool PFMP intervention indicated a significant reduction in BW and BMI. Although this reduction in WC and BF% were nonsignificant. PFMP provide new opportunities to manage obesity.