Influence of Lactobacillus plantarum on anthropometric and inflammatory parameters in obesity: a GRADE-assessed systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors' conclusion
L. plantarum, particularly in multi-strain formulations, may provide modest yet clinically meaningful benefits in obesity management.
Study context
- Population
- Non-diabetic adults with BMI ≥ 25 kg/m²; PubMed, Cochrane Library and Google Scholar searched through May 2025
- Participants
- 1,310 adults18 RCTs
- Comparison
- L. plantarum supplementation vs control
- Outcome
- Body weight and BMI
Methodological detailsPRISMA, GRADE-assessed, ROB 2.0
- PRISMA
- GRADE-assessed
- ROB 2.0
Pooled result
As reported in the abstract
L. plantarum vs ControlMD (body weight), kg (95% CI)P value
I² = 49%; high-certainty evidence
−1.23(−1.97 to −0.49)
P = 0.001L. plantarum vs ControlMD (BMI) (95% CI)P value
I² = 77%; moderate-certainty evidence
−0.28(−0.54 to −0.02)
P = 0.03Further pooled results
Waist circumference
- Improvement in waist circumference, MD (cm)
- −1.36
- P for waist circumference
- P = 0.003
Liver enzymes
- Improvements were also noted in liver enzymes
Body weight and BMI by formulation type (subgroup analysis)
- Reductions more pronounced with multi-strain than single-strain L. plantarum; tests for subgroup interaction non-significant, insufficient evidence of a true difference by formulation type
Certainty of evidence (GRADE)
- High certainty: body weight reduction
- Moderate certainty: reductions in BMI, waist circumference, fat mass and liver enzymes
- Low certainty: lipid, glycemic and inflammatory outcomes
Original publication
Influence of Lactobacillus plantarum on anthropometric and inflammatory parameters in obesity: a GRADE-assessed systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Int J Obes (Lond). Published 22 September 2026. doi:10.
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