How Gut Health Impacts Successful Weight Loss
Have you ever tried losing weight with a friend or family member? Things will be going along fine until one person starts losing more weight than the other leaving you to wonder, “How can this happen? We’re following the same plan!” The truth is, losing weight is not the same for everyone, and your gut health has a lot to do with your success.
The Role of the Microbiome
The gut microbiome is a complex collection of microorganisms living in the gastrointestinal system. The makeup of the gut microbiome is rapidly emerging as a key player in determining how a person responds to weight loss efforts.
One recent study showed that participants with higher concentrations of beneficial gut bacteria at baseline experienced more weight loss when placed on a weight loss program. This is likely due to the direct impact the gut microbiome has on metabolism and fat deposition.
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The types of bacteria living in the gut also play a role in blood sugar control. In fact, an abundance of certain strains of bacteria has been linked to the development of glucose intolerance and type 2 diabetes. On the other hand, a diverse population of microorganisms appears to have a protective effect. Keeping blood sugar under control prevents hormonal disruptions and insulin resistance which are known barriers to weight loss.
The Role of Fiber
The connection between gut health and weight can explain why fiber has such a dramatic impact on weight loss efforts. Fiber is a major source of fuel for the beneficial bacteria living in the gut.
Increasing fiber intake appears to be a powerful tool in the weight loss toolkit. In fact, one study showed that participants consuming higher fiber diets were more likely to adhere to their weight loss plan and achieved greater weight loss. Additionally, soluble fibers dissolve in the gut to form a viscous substance that slows movement through the gut, leaving you feeling full longer.