A specific gut microbe could help with long-term weight-loss goals.New research published in the journal Nature Medicine tested whether a pasteurized (not live) gut bacterium, called Akkermansia muciniphila MucT, could help people keep weight off after losing it.The study enrolled 90 overweight and obese adults from the Netherlands in an eight-week, low-energy diet where they were instructed to lose 8% of their body weight, according to a press release.DOCTOR REVEALS SECRETS TO LASTING WEIGHT LOSS WITHOUT COUNTING CALORIESThe participants then started a 24-week weight-maintenance phase and were randomly assigned to take either the gut bacterium or a placebo.People taking Akkermansia regained significantly less weight than those taking the placebo, the study found.(iStock)People taking Akkermansia regained less weight than those taking the placebo, at an average of 2.6 pounds versus 7.1 pounds — a statistically significant difference, according to the study results.CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIESThe researchers noted that the efficacy of the treatment depends on a person’s existing gut microbiome.
There were no serious adverse events reported.CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTERThe study’s short duration and small sample size may not be enough to prove long-term benefits, the team noted.Another limitation is that participants ate whatever they wanted instead of following a standardized diet.The study enrolled 90 overweight and obese adults from the Netherlands in an eight-week, low-energy diet where they were instructed to lose 8% of their body weight.
(iStock)Dr.Peter Balazs, MD, a hormone and weight loss specialist practicing in New York and New Jersey, called this a "well-designed" trial."The finding that a single gut microbe, pasteurized Akkermansia, significantly reduced weight regain is particularly compelling," the expert, who was not involved in the research, told Fox News Digital.
"Most probiotics have demonstrated far less efficacy, m...