Probiotics are living microorganisms that can improve overall health and well-being when consumed regularly. Consuming these beneficial bacteria as supplements, formulated drinks, fermented food, or yogurt can help your weight loss journey. This is because they work by manipulating the gut microbiome in ways that help regulate appetite, energy expenditure, and overall metabolism. 

While there is insufficient scientific research to explain the relationship between the gut microbiome and obesity, people who’ve included probiotic consumption in their weight loss journeys have recorded higher success rates. Specific probiotic supplements can contain beneficial bacteria that have been found to reduce body mass index (BMI), belly fat, waist size, and overall body weight. Probiotic supplements can even improve digestion while reducing your cravings!

But with so many probiotic supplements out there, knowing which ones to invest in can prove difficult, especially if you’ve never used them before. Lucky for you, we scoured the internet to find the best-reviewed, top-rated quality probiotics that can help you achieve your weight goals (when used as part of a healthy lifestyle). So, read on as we review the best probiotics for weight loss based on factors like bacteria strains, cost, and total CFU count. 

Best Probiotics for Weight Loss

1. Probiotic 40 Billion - Best for Bloating and Weight Loss

2. Swolvering Probiotix - Best for Irritable Bowel Syndrome

3. MindBodyGreen - Best for Abdominal Discomfort

4. Culturelle - Best for Increased Metabolism

5. Ritual - Best for Gut Barrier Health

6. Drink AG1 - Best for Whole Body Health  

7. Best Factor - Best Probiotic CFU 

1. Probiotic 40 Billion - Best for Bloating and Weight Loss 

Main Probiotic Strains 

• Lactobacillus acidophilus

Claims 

Health Nutrition, the company behind Probiotic 40 Billion, claims it has a potent blend designed to strengthen your defenses. The natural ingredients not only replenish healthy bacteria but also boost digestive health. 

Colony Forming Units  (CFU) 

40 billion 

Packaging and Dosage 

60 capsules (2 capsules a day)

Pricing 

$54.91 

Customer Review

Customers love the effectiveness of Probiotic 40 Billion, with most users reporting a significant difference in a matter of weeks. Several users claimed the supplement is effective as part of a weight loss regimen and healthy lifestyles. 

Other clients state that the Probiotic 40 Billion can be overwhelming to take daily as you’ll need to take two pills every day. Other than that, the consensus is that the product is top-notch and one of the best supplements for preventing bloating and improving gut health. 

>> Check out Health Nutrition << 

Pros 

• 40 billion CFU

• Helps with bloating and improves gut health 

• 100-day money-back guarantee in case of dissatisfaction

• Suitable for weight loss 

• 100% allergen-free

Cons 

• Two capsules a day is not ideal for most

2. Swolverine Probiotix - Best for Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Swolvering Probiotix is a bottle containing 60 vegan capsules, translating to a $0.57 cost per serving. It’s one of the best supplements for people struggling with digestive issues as it increases nutrient absorption and the number of healthy bacteria to aid digestion. 

The presence of Lactobacillus Plantarum in the formula helps your body alleviate digestive stress while combating yeast overgrowth that often results from the overuse of antibiotics. 

Swolvering Probiotix is an athlete-friendly product that contains Lactobacillus rhamnosus to adhere to the urinary and intestinal tracts to reduce the number of harmful bacteria. You’ll appreciate Swolverine Probiotix if you are searching for a product that can assist with digestive issues and improve gut health.

Main Strains 

• Bacillus subtilis 

• Lactobacillus casei

• Bifidobacterium longum

• Lactobacillus acidophilus

• Lactobacillus plantarum

• Bifidobacterium breve

Claims 

Improve digestive health, which translates to better nutrient absorption since a healthy gut biome is associated with optimal function of several bodily systems. It also helps improve the absorption of essential nutrients and vitamins, boosting the immune system. It improves the health of your gut’s microflora by increasing the number of good bacteria. 

Colony Forming Units (CFU) Count

5.75 billion

Packaging and Dosage

60 capsules 

Pricing

$32.99

Customer Review 

Several customers claim that the Swolverine Probiotix is highly effective for weight loss. One female client claims that within three months of using the supplement, she noticed a significant reduction in her body fat mass and waist circumference. Several male clients revealed that their appetites had reduced significantly since using the product. 

>> Check out Swolvering Probiotix <<

Pros 

• Improves digestive health 

• Vegan-friendly

• Contains a wide range of healthy ingredients 

• Affordable 

• Ideal for alleviating digestive stress 

• Contains Lactobacillus Casei that alleviates arthritis and joint inflammation

Cons 

• Some claim the capsules are not the easiest to swallow

3. MindBodyGreen - Best for Abdominal Comfort 

The MindBodyGreen supplement is among the most popular probiotics for weight loss and is gluten, eggs, dairy, peanuts, and soy-free. It also doesn’t contain artificial colors, sweeteners, MSG, or flavors. The supplement is designed to be shelf-stable, eliminating the need for refrigeration. However, you should always seal the contents and store the package in cool, dry places away from sunlight.

It contains four targeted strains that support your gut health and help beat bloating. In addition to supporting a healthy weight, it promotes abdominal comfort, making it ideal for people with sensitive tummies. 

Main Strains

• Lactobacillus acidophilus

• Bididobacterium lactis Bi-07

• B420

• HN019

Claims 

MindBodyGreen claims a daily supplement dose will help reset the gut by the second week. You’ll experience a significant reduction in bloating by the third week, while a reduced appetite will give you that extra push in your weight loss journey. 

The manufacturers also claim that continued supplement use will enhance abdominal comfort through gas reduction and improved digestion. Your total digestion time and the regularity of healthy bowel movements will also improve. 

Colony Forming Units (CFUs) 

• 32 billion

Packaging and Dosage

• 30 pills 

Pricing 

• $69

Customer Reviews

A large number of customers claim that the MindBodyGreen supplement is ideal for improving digestive health, especially issues relating to bloating. Several users reveal that the product has been crucial in their weight loss journey, especially when used consistently. Some users complain that the supplement takes some time to work, especially regarding noticeable weight loss. 

>> Check out MindBodyGreen <<

Pros 

• 30-day money-back guarantee 

• Eases bloating and aids digestion 

• Contains 32 billion bacteria 

• Shelf-stable 

• Soy, dairy, and gluten-free

Cons 

• Relatively costly 

• Doesn’t contain too many strains

4. Culturelle - Best for Metabolism

Looking to manage weight safely without breaking the bank? If so, then Culturelle, one of the most popular probiotic supplements, allows you to do so. The supplement promotes the metabolism, which helps you lose and manage weight when used daily. The supplements come in packaging with a desiccant lining that absorbs moisture to protect the contents even weeks after being opened. 

Main Probiotic Strains 

• Lactobacillus rhamnosus 

• Bifidobacterium animalis 

• B vitamins

Claims 

The manufacturers claim that regular product consumption helps restore natural balance to keep your digestive system in top condition. It also boosts your metabolism of fats, proteins, and carbs, which plays a massive role in burning fat and weight loss. 

Colony Forming Units (CFU) 

• 12 billion 

Packaging and Dosage 

• 30 vegetarian capsules 

Pricing 

• $23.39

Customer Reviews

There are mixed online reviews on how fast the supplement works. The consensus is that it’s ideal for weight loss and helps improve gut health. Most users appreciate that it’s easy to use and store. Other customers claim the supplement helped with bloating, making it an ideal pick for people with sensitive stomachs. 

>> Check out Culturelle <<

Pros 

• Packaging comes with a desiccant lining for moisture absorption

• No need for refrigeration

• Dairy, wheat, soy, and GMO-free 

• Promotes metabolism of fats, proteins, and carbs 

• Caffeine and stimulant-free

Cons 

• Not the highest number of strains 

• Not the highest CFU

5. Ritual - Best for Gut Barrier Health

Boasting a healthy combination of prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics, Ritual’s Synbitic + is your best bet for a holistic solution to your gut and digestion issues. 

No refrigeration is required for this gluten- and GMO-free vegan probiotic supplement. It’s perfect for bloat support, good growth for healthy bacteria, weight management, and improving gut barrier health. The capsules are delayed-release to ensure they get past the stomach and into the colon, where it’s most suitable for probiotics to grow. 

Main Strains 

• Lactobacillus rhamnosus 

• Bifidobacterium animalis ssp lactic

• LH01 Myoviridae

• LL5 siphoviridae

Claims 

Ritual claims to be a potent 3-in-1 supplement (contains pro, pre, and postbiotics) that promotes gut function and health by balancing the microbiome. The manufacturers claim the probiotic’s strains promote the relief of discomforts such as gas, occasional bloating, and diarrhea.

It contains many probiotics that target the undesirable bacteria in the gut to support the growth of beneficial bacteria. It also comes packed with postbiotics that fuel cells in the gut lining, supporting the function of the gut barrier. 

Colony Forming Units (CFU) 

11 billion

Packaging and Dosage

30 vegan capsules 

Pricing 

$54

Customer Reviews 

Customers agree that Ritual is ideal for bloat support due to its probiotic strains LGG and BB-12. It also works well to reduce gas and diarrhea. The 3-in-1 combination of probiotics, prebiotics, and postbiotics makes the product one of the most diverse weight loss supplements out there. Some users claim that the weight loss probiotic supplement requires patience and consistency as the positive effects aren’t immediate. 

>> Check out Ritual’s Synbitic + <<

Pros 

• Single, nested minty capsule for easy consumption

• Capsule is delayed-release to ensure it reaches the colon

• Moisture-controlled bottle technology

• 3-in-1 formula 

• Supports weight loss while improving gut barrier health

Cons 

• Relatively costly 

• Not fast-acting 

6. Drink AG1 - Best for Whole Body Health

AG1 is designed for daily use and is certified for use by athletes, a testament to its superior quality. It’s vegan, keto, and paleo-friendly, designed for one scoop daily. To use the probiotic supplement, you’ll need to mix one scoop with 8 ounces of cold water. For the best outcomes, it is advisable to drink the supplement once a day.  With 75 ingredients, AG1 is an ideal product if you want an all-rounded supplement that improves several bodily functions. 

Main Strains 

• Bifidobacterium Bifidum

• Beta Glucan

• Inulin

• Lactobacillus Acidophilus

Claims 

As a NSF certified probiotic supplement, Drink AG1 claims to have clean ingredients that improve bodily function. The manufacturers claim the supplement compares to no other when it comes to ingredients as it contains a rich balance of vitamins and minerals, dairy food probiotics, plant extracts, and antioxidants. 

In addition to supporting the digestive tract, the supplement is also helpful in boosting immunity and nervous system function. 

Colony Forming Units (CFU)

• 7.2 billion

Packaging and Dosage 

• 30 serving pouch

Pricing 

• $79

Customer Reviews 

Clients seem to love the wealth of ingredients (75) found in the AG1 that improve whole-body health. While some don’t love that you must mix a scoop with 8 ounces of cold water, they appreciate that it’s keto, paleo, and vegan-friendly. 

>> Check out AG1 <<

Pros 

• Over 75 ingredients 

• Suitable for athletes and ordinary people 

• Improves full body functions 

• Suitable for digestive and immunity support 

• Contains pre and probiotics

Cons 

• Comes in powder form

• Costly 

7. Best Factor - Best Probiotic CFU (100 Billion) 

Best Factor Probiotic boasts an impressive 100 billion CFU, making it one of the most effective supplements for killing bad bacteria and growing new ones. Experts recommend the probiotic supplement for weight loss as it improves digestive tract health. It comes with a 100% money-back guarantee if you’re not impressed with the results. 

Main Strains

• Lactobacilus acidophilus

• Plantarum bifidobacterium longum

• Plantarum bifidobacterium lactis 

• Plantarum bifidobacterium bifidum

Claims 

According to the Best Factor manufacturers, the probiotic supplement is ideal for improving digestive tract health and providing joint support. It’s also an effective immune solution for people looking to improve their health. The clinically proven formula provides optimal results and is the ideal supplement for improving vigor and mental clarity while reducing fatigue.  

Colony Forming Units (CFU) 

• 100 billion

Packaging and Dosage

• 60 vegan capsules (2 capsules a day)

Pricing

• $70

Customer Reviews 

Several clients appear impressed with the supplement’s potency and affordability. Most claim that the product works fast, with noticeable effects within a week of regular usage. Your body will probably need a few days to adjust to the supplement's effects. Other than that, clients praise the supplement’s superior ingredients and ability to improve joint health and sleep hygiene. 

>> Check out Best Factor Probiotic <<

Pros 

• 100 billion CFU

• Premium ingredients 

• Formulated to improve digestive tract health

• Protects the body from infections 

• Improves recovery times

Cons 

• Might need some getting used to

• 2 capsules a day not ideal for some

What Are Probiotics?

Probiotics are yeasts or live beneficial bacteria that naturally exist in your body. They are good bacteria that keep your body in tip-top shape by fighting bad bacteria, especially when there’s an influx.

These good bacteria help maintain a healthy balance in your body’s microbiome. They restore the bacterial balance in your body when bad bacteria cause infections, helping you feel better and other body systems to function better. 

There are several ways to increase the good bacteria in your body, such as through foods and supplements. Common foods you can try include kimchi, fermented sauerkraut, miso soup, kombucha, tempeh, and cottage cheese. 

How Probiotics Affect Body Weight

Although probiotics have been used in weight loss regimens, the exact way they work is yet to be fully understood. However, as reported by PubMed Central, probiotics influence energy usage and overall appetite by producing short-chain fatty acids like butyrate, propionate, and acetate. 

Recent research shows that specific probiotics can inhibit the absorption of fat found in foods by increasing the amount excreted with feces. This means your body will retain few calories from the food consumed. 

Probiotics can also help in your weight loss journey by regulating your appetite. They release appetite-regulating hormones like peptide YY (PYY) and peptide-1 (GLP-1). A PubMed study on probiotics for treating obesity in humans revealed that probiotics increase these hormones, which in turn help burn fat and calories. 

Probiotics can also help in your weight loss journey by increasing the overall levels of proteins that regulate fat, which results in decreased fat storage. And since there’s strong evidence that obesity leads to inflammation, probiotics can help reduce systemic inflammation by improving the health of your gut. 

What Type of Probiotic Is Best for Weight Loss?

Lactobacillus Acidophilus: This probiotic strain helps regulate food breakdown in the stomach as well as overall yeast levels in your body. This helps the body eliminate excess fats through feces, helping you lose and manage your weight. 

Bifidobacterium Longum: Contains strains of good bacteria that are primarily found in the colon and help maintain the health of your digestive tract. It not only boosts the immune system but also limits the growth of harmful bacteria. By promoting your gut function and health, this strain helps improve digestion, ensuring that your body absorbs nutrients as expected. 

Bifidobacterium Breve: This probiotic strain works by fermenting sugars and producing lactic and acetic acid. It helps protect colon function and can digest plant fibers that are considered to be non-digestible. The strain is vital in weight management and alleviating constipation, bloating, and diarrhea.

Lactobacillus Casei: Works by influencing weight and insulin levels in your body. It also alleviates arthritis symptoms and joints inflammation. 

Bifidobacterium lactis B420: A clinical trial revealed that people taking this strain had significantly reduced fat mass and waist circumference compared to people who didn’t take the supplement. 

Lactobacillus gasseri BNR1799: Another clinical trial found that people taking this supplement had smaller waists after 12 weeks compared to a control group when used in weight management.

Why Use Probiotics for Weight Loss?

Probiotics are part of the human microbiome, and they work together to keep the human body in top condition, ensuring all systems work as expected. 

The best probiotic supplements not only help you regulate appetite and metabolism in your weight loss efforts, but they also come with tons of other benefits, including: 

Improved Digestion

Environmental toxins and GMOs play a huge role in degrading the food we consume, which enhances the influx of harmful bacteria in our guts. Using probiotics allows you to increase the number of healthy bacteria the body requires for proper digestion. Improved food absorption translates to improved gut and overall body health, allowing your body to absorb vital nutrients that help in your weight loss efforts. 

Improved Gut Health

Probiotics like Lactobacillus Plantarum help alleviate digestive stress and prevent the negative effects of antibiotics that reduce the number of good bacteria. The probiotic also helps prevent yeast overgrowth, further boosting the overall health of your gut. 

Reduced Stomach Upset and Diarrhea

Probiotic like Lactobacillus Casei reduces the severity and occurrence of diarrhea resulting from infections and antibiotic use. The strain further influences insulin and weight levels while alleviating arthritis symptoms and joint inflammation. 

Reduced Bloating 

Probiotics can help alleviate bloating by restoring the balance of the good and bad bacteria, which reduces inflammation and gas production. They also help improve digestion, in the process alleviating bloating. 

How to Choose the Best Probiotics for Weight Loss

When choosing the best probiotics for weight loss, it is crucial to consider the following: 

Safety and Tests 

The FDA doesn’t regulate supplements like pharmaceuticals. As a result, the only way to determine whether the product is safe and pure is to go for products that a credible third party independently tests. Examples of credible third parties that do independent testing of supplements include USP, UL Solutions, and NSF International. 

Probiotic Strains Variety 

The more the variety of probiotic strains, the more effective the supplement will be in addressing different issues in the body. While two or three probiotic strains are enough for probiotics meant for weight loss, buying supplements with more probiotic strains will have more health benefits, such as improved immune system and brain health. 

Colony Forming Units (CFUs)

A typical probiotic supplement for weight loss contains between 1-30 billion CFUs; however, some have up to 100 billion CFUs. Although high numbers don’t necessarily translate to better supplements, they can play a massive role in restoring a healthy bacterial balance in your body’s different systems. 

Customer Reviews

It’s highly advisable to check online reviews before buying a supplement for the first time. As a good rule, you should avoid products with several negative reviews. While a few negative reviews are normal, products with more negative reviews than positive ones are likely substandard and have little health benefits.

Reputation

When buying probiotics to lose weight, choosing products from reputable brands is highly advisable. Well-known brands are usually keen on maintaining their brand reputation and only include tested and approved ingredients in their formulas. Well-reputed companies only sell third-party tested supplements to keep up with client expectations. 

Probiotics for Weight Loss FAQs

Do Probiotics Have Side Effects?

Probiotics are generally considered safe for consumption as they contain microbes that exist in the body. However, using probiotics to lose weight can trigger allergic reactions and even cause stomach upset, flatulence, diarrhea, and bloating as you get started with the dosage. The side effects can be severe for people with underlying medical issues, which is exactly why you should always consult with your doctor before using probiotics. 

How Quickly Do Probiotics Work for Weight Loss?

There is no standard amount of time for probiotics to work for weight loss. The rate at which you lose weight depends on factors like metabolism, lifestyle, age, health, type of probiotics, and even genetics. However, if the right dosage is taken, you should notice significant changes in 2-6 weeks. 

Do Probiotics Help With the Menopause Belly?

Probiotics can help support weight loss during menopause and ease some symptoms. However, their effectiveness in minimizing menopause symptoms cannot be confirmed and is still subject to further research. Several women in different stages of menopause have claimed that probiotic supplements have helped in their weight loss journeys, but this may vary from person to person. 

Is It Good to Take Probiotics Every Day?

It is good to take probiotics for weight management every day as consistent use increases their effectiveness. Daily intake of probiotics might not be safe for people with weakened immune systems. As such, you should consult your doctor if you have underlying medical conditions. A healthy diet is also crucial if you take probiotics to promote weight loss.

Related

• Best Probiotics For Gut Health

• Best Probiotic For Women

• Best Weight Loss Pills

Recap on Best Probiotics for Weight Loss

Probiotics may be vital in reducing body weight, especially if you consistently take high-quality supplements. In addition to helping you manage weight, probiotic supplements have benefits like increased immunity, reduced inflammation, and improved gut health. 

The Probiotic 40 Billion is a great option if you’re searching for a supplement suitable for weight loss and ideal for reducing bloating. It also comes with a 100-day money-back guarantee, proving its quality. If you’re struggling with bowel issues, the Swolverine Probiotix is a great option, as it contains several strains and is ideal for weight loss and improved gut health. 

We recommend checking the brand reputation and ingredients before settling for a particular supplement. Consulting with your doctor is highly advisable, especially if you have any underlying condition or a compromised immune system. 

Disclaimer: The information provided here is meant to increase your awareness about health and the potential benefits of the use of the products described in this article. It is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Before starting any new health program or supplement regimen, consult a healthcare provider or a qualified medical professional.