Effects of Daily Kefir Consumption During Medical Nutrition Therapy on Body Composition and Psychological Well-Being in Women With Obesity

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.

nclusion Criteria: * Female participants aged 25-55 years. * Body mass index (BMI) ≥30 kg/m². * Willingness to participate in the study and comply with the intervention protocol. * Provision of written informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: * Pregnancy or lactation. * Current use of antibiotics, probiotic supplements, or prebiotic supplements during the study period. * Presence of chronic diseases. * Known allergy or intolerance to kefir or dairy products. * Inability to comply with the intervention or follow-up procedures.