‘Maziwa mala’ for belly fat loss? The truth behind the hype
By William Muthama, April 23, 2026In recent months, Maziwa Mala, a traditional fermented milk drink widely consumed in Kenya, has gained popularity on social media as a natural ‘belly fat burner’.
Many claims suggest that drinking it daily can help reduce stubborn abdominal fat without needing strict dieting or exercise.
While it is true that Maziwa Mala is nutritious and contains beneficial bacteria, scientific research gives a more balanced explanation.
A research review by Hamed Mohammadi, Abed Ghavami, and colleagues analysed multiple clinical trials involving adults who consumed probiotic fermented milk products.
In total, 19 clinical trials with over 1,500 participants were studied to understand effects on body weight, BMI, and fat distribution.
What science says
The findings showed that people who consumed probiotic fermented milk experienced a small reduction in body weight compared to those who did not. On average, the weight loss was less than 1 kilogram, which is modest but still measurable.
Body mass index (BMI) also showed a slight decrease, suggesting mild support for weight control.
As the researchers noted, “probiotic fermented milk product intervention indicated a significant reduction in body weight and body mass index.” This confirms that there is a measurable effect, but it is not large or rapid.
When it came to belly fat, the results were less convincing. Waist circumference, which is commonly used to measure abdominal fat, did not show a strong or consistent reduction
Some individuals experienced small changes, but overall, the results were not significant. Body fat percentage also did not show a reliable improvement across the studies.
This means fermented milk may support general weight management, but it does not specifically noticeably target belly fat.
How probiotics may work
The possible reason behind these small effects is the role of probiotics in gut health. The beneficial bacteria in fermented milk help balance gut microbiota, improve digestion, and reduce inflammation. These changes can support metabolism and overall health.
As the study explains, “probiotics have an anti-obesity effect by reducing body mass index,” showing that their impact is more supportive than dramatic.
Another important point from the research is that the changes were small because fermented milk works slowly and indirectly.
It does not burn fat directly. Instead, it may slightly improve how the body processes food and energy over time.
People who combined fermented milk with healthier diets and physical activity tended to show better results compared to those who only consumed it alone.
In simple terms, Maziwa Mala is a nutritious drink that can support digestion and may slightly help with weight management.
However, it should not be viewed as a quick solution for belly fat or a replacement for exercise and balanced eating habits.