A recent study is sparking new conversations about dietary fiber and how it affects health, specifically weight loss and blood sugar control.
Conducted by researchers from the University of Arizona and the University of Vienna, the study suggests that not all fiber types are equal, especially when it comes to helping with weight loss.
Beta-Glucan Fiber Found to Help Mice Lose Weight, Unlike Other Fiber Types
The study tested several types of fiber on mice, finding that beta-glucan, a fiber found in oats and barley, had unique benefits that other types lacked.
Over 18 weeks, mice on a high-fat diet who were given beta-glucan supplements lost body fat and weight, unlike those given other types of fiber, such as wheat dextrin, pectin, and cellulose.
These other fibers did affect the mouse gut microbiome — suggesting that they changed the types of bacteria in the gut — but did not impact weight or fat in the same way as beta-glucan.
The researchers point out that while fiber is known to be healthy, figuring out which types offer specific benefits like weight loss or blood sugar control has been challenging.
According to ScienceAlert, most people in the U.S. don't consume enough fiber. With less than 5% of people eating the recommended 25-30 grams a day, food manufacturers are increasingly adding fiber to products. But the wide variety of fiber types has made it hard to determine which kinds to consume.
In this study, the researchers found that beta-glucan did something unique in the gut microbiome of mice, increasing a bacterium known as Ileibacterium, which is thought to aid in weight loss.
Mice fed beta-glucan also had higher levels of a compound called butyrate in their guts. Butyrate can stimulate the body to release a protein called GLP-1, which helps control appetite and blood sugar by boosting insulin levels, similar to how the diabetes drug Ozempic works.
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Exploring Medications and Natural Options for Weight Loss
Ozempic, which has gained popularity for its weight loss effects, is actually a GLP-1 receptor agonist. This means it works by helping the body release insulin, delay stomach emptying, and control hunger. However, since Ozempic is designed to treat type 2 diabetes, it isn't the only option for weight loss.
Several other medications work similarly, including Mounjaro, Rybelsus and Wegovy. For those looking for non-prescription options, some natural supplements like psyllium husk and berberine have also gained attention for their potential weight management benefits, Prevention said.
While these findings are promising, the researchers stressed that more studies are needed to confirm whether beta-glucan and other dietary fibers have the same effects in humans.
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