Anti-obesity effects with intestinal microbiome changes: A randomised, double-blind, parallel-group study

This study aimed to evaluate the anti-obesity potential of heat-killed Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LOC1, a bacterium originally isolated from fresh tea leaves. Through a randomised, double-blind, controlled trial, researchers investigated how supplementation with LOC1 influences body weight, body mass index, intestinal microbiome composition, and faecal organic acid production over an 8-week period. The findings demonstrated that LOC1 intake, particularly at low doses, significantly reduced weight and BMI while also increasing the abundance of Blautia, a gut bacterium negatively correlated with obesity-related markers. These results highlight the relevance of LOC1 as a promising biogenic agent with potential applications in obesity management through modulation of the gut microbiome.