Impact of Lactobacillus gasseri LG08 on weight management and endocrine function in overweight women: A randomized clinical trial

This study aimed to investigate the effects of Lactobacillus gasseri LG08 supplementation on weight management, endocrine and metabolic parameters, and gut microbiota composition in overweight women. In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 105 women aged 18–50 years with body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25 kg/m 2 were randomly assigned to receive either LG08 (30 billion CFU/day) or a matched dextrin placebo for the intervention period. Anthropometric measurements, body composition, hematological indices, metabolic and neuroendocrine markers, sex hormones, and gut microbiota profiles were assessed at baseline and post-intervention. Compared with placebo, LG08 supplementation significantly reduced body weight and BMI and improved waist- and hip-related measurements (all p < 0.05). Serum leptin levels decreased, while glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and peptide YY (PYY) levels increased (all p < 0.001). Estradiol and prolactin concentrations were significantly reduced ( p < 0.01). Gut microbiota analysis revealed increased relative abundance of Actinobacterota and shifts in several genera, including Bifidobacterium and P arabacterodies , without changes in α-diversity. No clinically relevant adverse effects were observed. Daily supplementation with L. gasseri LG08 improved weight-related outcomes and modulated endocrine profiles and gut microbiota composition in overweight women, indicating its potential as a safe and potentially beneficial adjuvant intervention for metabolic health.