This randomized controlled study evaluated the effects of daily kefir consumption as an adjunct to medical nutrition therapy on body composition, biochemical parameters, gastrointestinal symptoms, bowel habits, and psychological well-being in women with obesity. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either 200 mL of plain kefir daily together with individualized medical nutrition therapy or individualized medical nutrition therapy alone for 12 weeks. Assessments were performed at baseline, week 6, and week 12. The primary outcome was change in body weight. Secondary outcomes included changes in body composition, biochemical parameters, gastrointestinal symptoms, bowel habits, and psychological well-being.
This study was designed as a randomized, parallel-group, controlled clinical trial to evaluate the effects of daily kefir consumption as an adjunct to individualized medical nutrition therapy in women with obesity. Participants were randomly assigned to one of two intervention groups: (1) individualized medical nutrition therapy plus 200 mL of plain kefir consumed daily, or (2) individualized medical nutrition therapy alone. Both interventions were continued for 12 weeks. Participants were assessed at baseline, week 6, and week 12. The primary outcome was change in body weight. Secondary outcomes included changes in body mass index, body fat mass, muscle mass, biochemical parameters (fasting blood glucose, lipid profile, liver function tests, and related metabolic markers), gastrointestinal symptoms, bowel habits, stool characteristics, and psychological well-being. The study aimed to investigate whether the addition of daily kefir consumption to individualized medical nutrition therapy could provide additional benefits beyond diet therapy alone for improving obesity-related health outcomes in women.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
68
Participants consumed 200 mL of plain kefir daily for 12 weeks in addition to individualized medical nutrition therapy.
Participants received individualized medical nutrition therapy delivered by a registered dietitian throughout the 12-week intervention period.
Healthy Living Center, Karabük
Karabük, Turkey (Türkiye)
Change in body weight (kg) from baseline to week 12
Body weight was measured in kilograms using a calibrated digital scale. The primary outcome was the change in body weight from baseline to week 12.
Time frame: Baseline and week 12
Change in body mass index (kg/m²)
Body mass index was calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared. The change from baseline to week 12 was evaluated.
Time frame: Baseline and week 12
Change in body fat percentage
Body fat percentage was assessed using bioelectrical impedance analysis.
Time frame: Baseline and week 12
Change in fat mass (kg)
Fat mass was assessed using bioelectrical impedance analysis.
Time frame: Baseline and week 12
Change in muscle mass (kg)
Muscle mass was assessed using bioelectrical impedance analysis.
Time frame: Baseline and week 12
Change in visceral fat level
Visceral fat level was assessed using bioelectrical impedance analysis.
Time frame: Baseline and week 12
Change in fasting blood glucose (mg/dL)
Fasting blood glucose was measured in mg/dL. The change from baseline to week 12 was evaluated.
Time frame: Baseline and week 12
Change in fasting insulin (µIU/mL)
Fasting insulin concentration was measured in µIU/mL. The change from baseline to week 12 was evaluated.
Time frame: Baseline and week 12
Change in total cholesterol (mg/dL)
Total cholesterol concentration was measured in mg/dL. The change from baseline to week 12 was evaluated.
Time frame: Baseline and week 12
Change in LDL cholesterol (mg/dL)
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol concentration was measured in mg/dL. The change from baseline to week 12 was evaluated.
Time frame: Baseline and week 12
Change in triglycerides (mg/dL)
High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol concentration was measured in mg/dL. The change from baseline to week 12 was evaluated.
Time frame: Baseline and week 12
Change in gastrointestinal symptoms (GSRS total score)
Gastrointestinal symptoms were assessed using the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS). Higher scores indicate more severe gastrointestinal symptoms.
Time frame: Baseline and week 12
Change in Bristol Stool Scale score
Stool consistency was assessed using the Bristol Stool Scale.
Time frame: Baseline and week 12
Change in Psychological Well-Being Scale total score
Psychological well-being was assessed using the Psychological Well-Being Scale.
Time frame: Baseline and week 12
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