In a new study published in mSystems, scientists have shown that the effectiveness of trying to lose weight is not only related to how much we eat and move. Gut microbiota may be an independent factor influencing success.
In a small study, Mayo Clinic researchers compared the gut microbiomes of people who when going through a weight loss program, they either lost weight easily or did not succeed. The presence of certain bacteria in the gut has been associated with successful weight loss. It also turned out that those who failed to lose weight had increased carbohydrate metabolism.
In a new study, scientists at the Institute for Systems Biology in Seattle continue to explore this topic. They analyzed data from about 100 participants in a massive weight loss program. Half of them managed to lose at least 1% of their weight within 6-12 months, the rest of the weight remained stable.
Scientists conducted a genetic study of the blood and intestinal contents of the participants. They found 31 major features of the gut microbiome in people with varying responses to a weight loss program. These differences were associated with the ability of bacteria to break down carbohydrates and proteins, respond to stress, and multiply.
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Like the authors of the previous study, the Seattle researchers found that people who had difficulty losing weight had an increased ability to break down starches into sugars that can be absorbed in the intestines. In their opinion, gut bacteria respond to the weight loss program by changing their enzymatic activity. They believe that the microbiota is a “big player” that is involved in determining the success of the fight against excess weight.
“Our data highlights that the gut microbiome is an important filter between the food we consume and blood flow. Losing weight can be especially difficult when our bacteria slow down their growth and also break down dietary fiber into energy-rich sugars. These sugars enter the bloodstream before bacteria can break them down into organic acids,” said Christian Diener, co-author of the study.
Scientists have no doubt that certain gut bacteria have an impact on how easily people manage to lose weight. However, they indicate that more research is needed to clarify this role. At present, science is still far from suggesting probiotics for weight loss.
New data may «complicate» the theory of obesity, which now considers only the number of calories received from food and burned.
12 weight loss tips
- Don't skip breakfast.
- Eat regularly, preferably at the same time.
- Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables.
- Increase physical activity. Pick a style that works for you and incorporate it into your routine.
- Drink enough water.
- Eat more fiber foods (fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes).
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- Read food labels, pay attention to the number of calories. This will help you make healthy choices.
- Use smaller plates, eat slowly. This will help you learn to eat smaller portions without being hungry.
- Do not eliminate any foods from your diet completely. Within a certain number of calories, you can eat “forbidden” foods from time to time.
- Do not store chocolate, cookies, sugary drinks and other junk food at home. This will reduce their consumption.
- Drink less alcohol.
- Plan your meals for each meal. This will help you not to go overboard with calories.
Source — NHS