Thesis Abstract

Abstract
The prevalence of overweight and obesity has become a global health concern, with significant implications for overall well-being. In recent years, there has been growing interest in the potential role of probiotics in modulating gut microbiota composition and promoting weight management in individuals struggling with excess body weight. This thesis explores the effects of probiotics supplementation on gut microbiota and weight management in overweight individuals. The introduction sets the stage by discussing the background of the study, problem statement, objectives, limitations, scope, significance, and structure of the thesis. The literature review delves into ten key studies that have investigated the relationship between probiotics supplementation, gut microbiota, and weight management. The research methodology outlines the approach taken in this study, including participant recruitment, intervention design, data collection methods, and statistical analysis techniques. The findings from the study are discussed in detail in chapter four, highlighting the impact of probiotics supplementation on gut microbiota diversity, composition, and weight-related outcomes in overweight individuals. The results indicate that probiotics supplementation is associated with beneficial changes in gut microbiota profiles, including increased abundance of beneficial bacteria and reduced levels of harmful microbes. Furthermore, participants who received probiotics demonstrated improvements in weight management parameters, such as reduced body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference. In conclusion, the findings suggest that probiotics supplementation may be a promising strategy for improving gut health and supporting weight management in overweight individuals. This thesis contributes to the growing body of evidence supporting the use of probiotics as a potential tool in the management of obesity and related metabolic disorders. Further research is warranted to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the observed effects and to optimize probiotic interventions for personalized weight management strategies.

Thesis Overview

The project titled "Effects of Probiotics Supplementation on Gut Microbiota and Weight Management in Overweight Individuals" aims to investigate the impact of probiotics supplementation on gut microbiota composition and weight management in overweight individuals. This research is motivated by the growing interest in the potential role of probiotics in promoting gut health and aiding in weight management, particularly in individuals struggling with overweight or obesity. The study will delve into the current understanding of the gut microbiota and its influence on various aspects of human health, including metabolism and weight regulation. Probiotics, known as beneficial microorganisms that can confer health benefits when consumed in adequate amounts, have been suggested to modulate the gut microbiota composition and potentially affect weight-related outcomes. The research will involve conducting a systematic literature review to explore existing evidence on the effects of probiotics supplementation on gut microbiota diversity, composition, and function, as well as its impact on weight management in overweight individuals. The review will encompass studies that have investigated the use of probiotics in clinical trials, animal models, and observational studies to provide a comprehensive overview of the current knowledge in this field. Furthermore, the project will include a primary research component involving a randomized controlled trial to assess the effects of a specific probiotic supplement on gut microbiota profile and weight-related parameters in a cohort of overweight individuals. The study will employ rigorous methodology, including participant recruitment, intervention administration, sample collection and analysis, and data interpretation. The anticipated findings of this research will contribute to the existing body of knowledge on the potential benefits of probiotics supplementation in modulating gut microbiota composition and promoting weight management in overweight individuals. By elucidating the mechanisms through which probiotics may exert their effects on the gut microbiota and weight regulation, this study aims to provide valuable insights for healthcare professionals, researchers, and individuals seeking evidence-based strategies for improving gut health and managing weight effectively.