A study suggests a daily supplement containing dead bacteria may aid weight loss by increasing GLP-1 hormone levels, though experts call for larger, more rigorous testing.
Key facts
- •The supplement ResM contains dead Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, a bacterium often found in fermented foods.
- •Participants taking the supplement lost an average of 3 percent of their body weight over two months.
- •The placebo group reported more mild side effects, such as nausea and bloating, than the supplement group.
- •Researchers suggest the supplement may help increase GLP-1 hormone levels, which can reduce food intake.
- •Experts advise consulting a doctor before using weight-loss supplements due to the need for more rigorous testing.
A small clinical trial involving 80 adults found that a daily postbiotic supplement, known as ResM, may assist with weight loss by boosting GLP-1 hormone levels. Participants taking the supplement lost an average of 2.6 kilograms over two months, while those in a placebo group gained an average of 0.5 kilograms. The findings suggest the supplement could potentially serve as a more affordable, lower-side-effect alternative to existing GLP-1 weight-loss drugs.
By the numbers
Study Methodology and Findings
Researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham recruited 80 overweight or obese adults for the study. Half were given a daily supplement containing the dead bacterium Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, along with vitamin D3, vitamin B12, white mulberry leaf, fenugreek seed extracts, and chromium picolinate. The other half received a placebo. Analysis indicated that GLP-1 levels more than doubled in the supplement group, while remaining unchanged in the placebo group.
Expert Perspective and Limitations
Simon Cork of Anglia Ruskin University noted that while the results are potentially exciting, the study has significant limitations, including its small size and reliance on self-reported weight and adherence data. He emphasized that the observed 3 percent weight loss is below the 5 percent threshold typically associated with substantial health benefits like improved blood pressure. Further large-scale, standardized trials are required to verify the efficacy of the supplement compared to approved GLP-1 medications.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by New Scientist.
