#$%^&*AU2017101478A420171130.pdf#####34 Abstract Provided herein are methods for the treatment or prevention of metabolic syndrome and/or insulin resistance, and for the treatment or prevention of obesity an obesity-related disorders, comprising the administration of two or more probiotic bacterial strains selected from Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Lactobacillus gasseri, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium breve, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis (B. lactis) and Streptococcus thermophilus. Compositions for use in such methods are also disclosed.