The Unforeseen Link Between Your Gut and Your Waistline

By Dr. Scott Olson, ND Posted April 23, 2024

As the weather warms up and summer approaches, many of us start thinking about shedding those extra pounds…

We dust off our gym memberships, stock up on salad greens, and vow to finally fit into those shorts from last year.

But what if I told you that the key to achieving a healthy weight might not lie in the gym or even on your plate? What if the answer was hiding deep within your gut?

Researchers at Cedars-Sinai have made a groundbreaking discovery that could change the way we think about body weight and obesity.

They’ve found that significant variations in the microbes inhabiting the small bowel (small intestine) are strongly linked to different body weights, from normal to overweight and obesity.

This is the first study to comprehensively examine the small bowel microbiome in relation to body mass index (BMI). The findings, published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology, could pave the way for new treatments and personalized interventions for obesity-related diseases.

The gut microbiome, which includes the bacteria, fungi, and viruses that call your gastrointestinal tract home, has been a hot topic in health research in recent years. Imbalances in these microbial populations have been observed in the stool samples of patients with obesity-related diseases.

But until now, no one had taken a deep dive into the small bowel microbiome.

Using specialized techniques, the Cedars-Sinai team analyzed the microbial populations in the duodenum, the first part of the small bowel where nutrient absorption begins. They examined samples from 214 patients classified as normal weight, overweight, or having obesity based on CDC guidelines.

What they found was astounding. The small bowel microbiome was significantly and specifically altered in participants who were overweight or had obesity compared to those of normal weight. Some of these changes were even progressive, moving from normal weight to overweight to obesity.

One bacterial population, in particular, stood out: Lactobacillus. This microbe, commonly found in dairy products, probiotics, and some vegan foods, exhibited highly species-specific associations in subjects classified as overweight or having obesity.

This finding is particularly important because many people regularly consume Lactobacillus-containing products. While more research is needed to understand the cause-and-effect relationship, this discovery could lead to new therapeutic targets and personalized interventions for obesity-related diseases.

So, what does this mean for you?

Well, it’s not quite as simple as popping a probiotic and watching the pounds melt away. The causes of obesity are multifactorial, involving genetics, gut hormones, and even socioeconomic and psychosocial factors.

But understanding the role of the small bowel microbiome in weight gain is a crucial step towards developing new treatments and improving the health of millions.

As you embark on your summer weight loss journey, remember that the answer may not lie in counting calories alone. Nurturing a healthy gut microbiome through a balanced diet and lifestyle could be the missing piece of the puzzle.

P.S. Hidden heart danger lurking in your GUT?

Source:

Leite, Gabriela PhD1; et al., Characterization of the Small Bowel Microbiome Reveals Different Profiles in Human Subjects Who Are Overweight or Have Obesity. The American Journal of Gastroenterology ():10.14309/ajg.0000000000002790, April 22, 2024. | DOI: 10.14309/ajg.0000000000002790

Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND

Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.

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