Thesis Abstract

Abstract
The prevalence of overweight and obesity continues to rise globally, leading to a significant burden on public health. In recent years, the role of gut microbiota in weight management has gained considerable attention. Probiotics, live microorganisms that confer health benefits when administered in adequate amounts, have been proposed as a potential intervention for modulating gut microbiota composition and promoting weight loss. This thesis aims to investigate the effect of probiotics supplementation on gut microbiota composition and weight management in overweight individuals. Chapter One provides the foundation for the study, presenting the introduction, background, problem statement, objectives, limitations, scope, significance, structure of the thesis, and definition of terms. This chapter sets the stage for understanding the rationale and context of the research. Chapter Two comprises a comprehensive literature review covering ten key aspects related to gut microbiota, probiotics, weight management, and their interplay. The review synthesizes existing knowledge and identifies gaps in the current literature, providing a solid theoretical framework for the study. Chapter Three outlines the research methodology, including research design, participant selection criteria, intervention protocols, data collection methods, and statistical analysis techniques. This chapter details the practical aspects of conducting the study and ensures transparency and replicability of the research process. In Chapter Four, the findings of the study are extensively discussed. This section presents the results of the probiotics supplementation intervention on gut microbiota composition and weight management outcomes in overweight individuals. The discussion interprets the data, analyzes trends, compares findings with existing literature, and explores potential implications for clinical practice and future research. Finally, Chapter Five presents the conclusions and summarizes the key findings of the study. It discusses the implications of the results, limitations of the research, and recommendations for future studies in this area. The thesis concludes with a reflection on the significance of probiotics supplementation in modulating gut microbiota composition and promoting weight management in overweight individuals. In conclusion, this thesis contributes to the growing body of evidence on the potential role of probiotics in improving gut health and supporting weight loss efforts in overweight individuals. The findings have implications for healthcare practitioners, researchers, and policymakers involved in addressing the global challenge of overweight and obesity. Further research in this area is warranted to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the effects of probiotics on gut microbiota and weight management, paving the way for personalized and effective interventions in the field of nutrition and dietetics.

Thesis Overview

The project titled "Effect of Probiotics Supplementation on Gut Microbiota Composition and Weight Management in Overweight Individuals" aims to investigate the impact of probiotics supplementation on gut microbiota composition and weight management specifically in overweight individuals. Probiotics are live microorganisms that have been associated with various health benefits, particularly in maintaining gut health and supporting overall well-being. The gut microbiota, which consists of trillions of microorganisms residing in the gastrointestinal tract, plays a crucial role in digestion, immune function, and metabolism. Overweight individuals are known to have distinct gut microbiota profiles compared to individuals with normal weight, and this imbalance in gut flora composition may contribute to weight gain and metabolic disturbances. By introducing probiotics as a dietary supplement, it is hypothesized that the gut microbiota composition can be modulated, potentially leading to improvements in weight management outcomes for overweight individuals. The research will involve conducting a randomized controlled trial where overweight participants will be assigned to receive either a probiotics supplement or a placebo for a specified duration. Various parameters will be assessed before and after the intervention, including gut microbiota composition analysis through sequencing techniques, anthropometric measurements such as body weight and waist circumference, as well as metabolic markers like blood glucose and lipid profile. The study will also explore the mechanisms underlying the potential effects of probiotics on gut microbiota and weight management, including their role in promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria, reducing inflammation, and enhancing energy metabolism. Furthermore, the project will address any limitations and challenges encountered during the study, such as sample size constraints, compliance issues, and the generalizability of the findings to broader populations. Overall, this research aims to provide valuable insights into the use of probiotics supplementation as a potential strategy for improving gut microbiota composition and supporting weight management in overweight individuals. The findings from this study may have implications for the development of personalized nutrition interventions targeting gut health and metabolic health in the context of obesity and related conditions.