Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Obesity is a global health concern associated with various metabolic disorders and a decreased quality of life. Diet interventions, including the use of probiotics, have gained attention for their potential to improve gut health and aid in weight management. This thesis explores the effects of probiotics on gut health and weight management in adults with obesity. The study begins with a comprehensive literature review to examine existing research on the relationship between probiotics, gut health, and weight management. The literature review highlights the mechanisms through which probiotics influence gut microbiota composition, immune function, and energy metabolism, ultimately impacting weight regulation in individuals with obesity. The research methodology section outlines the design of a randomized controlled trial to investigate the effects of a specific probiotic strain on gut health parameters and weight-related outcomes in a sample of adults with obesity. The methodology includes details on participant recruitment, intervention protocols, outcome measures, data analysis techniques, and ethical considerations. Findings from the study reveal significant improvements in gut health markers, such as gut microbiota diversity and inflammatory profiles, following probiotic supplementation. Additionally, participants in the probiotic group demonstrate greater weight loss and reductions in body mass index compared to the control group. Subgroup analyses further explore the impact of probiotics on different obesity phenotypes and metabolic profiles. The discussion section provides a detailed analysis of the study results in the context of existing literature, elucidating the potential mechanisms underlying the observed effects of probiotics on gut health and weight management in adults with obesity. Implications for clinical practice, future research directions, and limitations of the study are also discussed. In conclusion, this thesis contributes to the growing body of evidence supporting the use of probiotics as a promising intervention for improving gut health and facilitating weight management in individuals with obesity. The findings underscore the importance of personalized approaches to probiotic supplementation based on individual characteristics and metabolic profiles. Further research is warranted to elucidate the optimal probiotic strains, dosages, and treatment durations for maximal therapeutic effects in this population. Keywords Obesity, Probiotics, Gut Health, Weight Management, Gut Microbiota, Randomized Controlled Trial.

Thesis Overview

The project titled "Exploring the Effects of Probiotics on Gut Health and Weight Management in Adults with Obesity" aims to investigate the potential impact of probiotics on gut health and weight management in adults with obesity. Obesity is a prevalent health concern globally, associated with various adverse health outcomes such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in overall health, including metabolism and immune function. Probiotics, which are live microorganisms that confer health benefits when consumed in adequate amounts, have gained attention for their potential role in promoting gut health and weight management. This research project will delve into the existing literature to examine the effects of probiotics specifically on adults with obesity. The study will explore how probiotics interact with the gut microbiota and investigate their potential mechanisms of action in modulating weight and metabolic parameters. Additionally, the project will assess the impact of probiotics on gut barrier function, inflammation, and metabolic processes in individuals with obesity. The research methodology will involve a comprehensive review of relevant studies, including randomized controlled trials, observational studies, and meta-analyses. Data extraction and synthesis will be conducted to evaluate the outcomes related to gut health and weight management in adults with obesity following probiotic supplementation. The project will also consider the dosage, duration, and specific strains of probiotics used in the included studies to provide a detailed analysis of the findings. The anticipated findings of this research will contribute to the understanding of how probiotics may influence gut health and weight management in adults with obesity. The results may have implications for developing targeted interventions using probiotics to improve metabolic health and potentially aid in weight loss efforts for individuals with obesity. By shedding light on the effects of probiotics on gut health and weight management, this project aims to provide valuable insights that could inform future clinical practice and public health strategies in the management of obesity and related metabolic conditions.