Effects of <i>Bifidobacterium</i> on metabolic parameters in overweight or obesity adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Abstract

<h4>Objective</h4>This study endeavors to elucidate how <i>Bifidobacteria</i> supplementation affects metabolic parameters among overweight or obese populations.<h4>Methods</h4>A systematic review and meta-analysis were carried out leveraging PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science. Merely randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included.<h4>Results</h4>21 RCTs were encompassed for our final analysis. <i>Bifidobacteria</i> supplementation was effective in weight management for overweight or obese patients. The experimental group receiving <i>Bifidobacteria</i> exhibited a marked decrease in weight (WMD: -0.607 kg; 95% CI: -0.910, -0.303, <i>I²</i> = 11.9%) and BMI (WMD: -0.214 kg/m²; 95% CI: -0.259, -0.169, <i>I²</i> = 4.1%) in contrast to the control, although the significant effect was not noted on WC. Moreover, while <i>Bifidobacteria</i> supplementation led to no marked drop in FBG or HbA1c, it improved the insulin (SMD: -0.268; 95% CI: -0.470, -0.066, <i>I²</i> = 5.4%). However, there were no evident variations in TC, TG, HDL-C, or LDL-C across groups.<h4>Conclusion</h4>Our study findings confirmed that <i>Bifidobacteria</i> contributes to a slight reduction in weight and BMI among the overweight or obese populations, making it a potential adjunctive approach for weight management. Furthermore, it may help regulate insulin levels, though its impact on hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia remains limited.<h4>Systematic review registration</h4>https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO. Registration No. CRD42025635324.