Effects of a Novel Probiotic Supplement with Weight Gain Intervention on Anthropometry, Body Composition, and Appetite in Underweight Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Sep 20, 2025Journal of dietary supplements

Probiotic supplement and weight gain support linked to body size, fat and muscle, and appetite in underweight adults

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Abstract

Probiotic supplementation combined with a weight-gain diet resulted in a 2.41 kg increase in body weight among underweight adults over 8 weeks.

The probiotic group experienced greater increases in BMI (0.83 kg/m²) compared to the placebo group (0.24 kg/m²).
Body fat percentage increased by 3.23% in the probiotic group versus 1.03% in the placebo group.
Caloric intake rose significantly by 263.55 kcal/day in the probiotic group, compared to 30.75 kcal/day in the placebo group.
Increased appetite was observed in the probiotic group, with significant rises in hunger and desire to eat.
Stool consistency improved in the probiotic group, indicated by a one-unit increase in the Bristol Stool Score.

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Undernutrition in adults increases mortality and impairs immunity and quality of life. Gut microbiota influences metabolism, suggesting potential for probiotic-based weight-gain strategies. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of a probiotic supplement combined with a weight-gain diet on anthropometric indices, appetite, and calorie intake in underweight adults. In this 8-week, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial, 95 underweight adults (aged 18-60 years) from Mashhad, Iran, were randomized to receive a probiotic supplement (Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lacticaseibacillus casei; 10CFU/capsule) or placebo with a 500-kcal surplus diet. Primary outcomes included anthropometric measures, including body weight and BMI. Secondary outcomes included appetite (via visual analog scales), caloric intake, and stool consistency. The probiotic group (n = 47) showed greater increases than the placebo group (n = 48) in body weight (2.41 vs 0.44 kg, p < 0.001), BMI (0.83 vs 0.24 kg/m², p < 0.001), body fat percentage (3.23% vs 1.03%, p < 0.001), fat mass (1.90 vs 0.89 kg, p = 0.002), and caloric intake (263.55 vs 30.75 kcal/day, p < 0.001). The probiotic group showed significant increases in hunger (p < 0.001) and desire to eat (p < 0.001), with reduced satiety and fullness before meals (p < 0.001), as assessed by VAS. Stool consistency in the probiotic group shifted significantly toward softer, more regular stools, as evidenced by a one-unit increase in the Bristol Stool Score (p = 0.01), compared to no change in the control group (p = 0.97). Probiotic supplementation with a weight-gain diet significantly enhances anthropometric measures, appetite, and calorie intake in underweight adults, offering a novel strategy for managing undernutrition.Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials, IRCT20230310057667N1 (Issue date 30 March 2023), https://irct.behdasht.gov.ir/trial/69130. 9Clinical trial registration:

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Effects of a Novel Probiotic Supplement with Weight Gain Intervention on Anthropometry, Body Composition, and Appetite in Underweight Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial

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