DuPont Nutrition & Health (DuPont) has launched HOWARU Shape, an innovative probiotic formula clinically shown to reduce waist circumference in overweight adults, according to the company.

In a clinical study, HOWARU Shape, which contains 10 billion CFU Bifidobacterium lactis B420, reduced waist circumference by up to one inch. When taken in combination with 12g Litesse Ultra prebiotic fiber, HOWARU Shape was also shown to reduce body fat mass and trunk fat. The study was conducted with 225 healthy volunteers (healthy, BMI 28-34.9) who were randomized into four groups (1:1:1:1), using a computer-generated sequence, for 6 months of double-blind, parallel treatment.

Probiotic strain B420 has been demonstrated in vitro to increase epithelial integrity, a key function of the digestive tract. Litesse Ultra prebiotic fiber has been shown in clinical studies to reduce energy intake, increase satiety and decrease after-meal feelings of hunger. Separately, and in combination, the probiotic strain B420 and Litesse Ultra demonstrate health benefits, DuPont said.

Clinically demonstrated benefits of HOWARU Shape in combination with Litesse Ultra versus placebo include: 4.5% reduction in total body fat mass, 6.7% reduction in trunk fat, and 1 inch (2.6 cm) reduction in waist circumference

“In 2016, the global weight loss supplement market was an almost $5 billion category and growing, and we know these consumers are not just interested in dieting, they want overall health and wellness, which includes looking good,” said Anders Gron Norager, director, Global Probiotics at DuPont. “HOWARU Shape is geared toward those who want to lose weight but need help. We’re proud to offer these customers a proven way to manage their body shape naturally.”

HOWARU Shape does not contain stimulants and is proven safe, effective and well-tolerated. It is a highly stable product, and ideal for capsules or sachets, the company said.