A New Direction In Weight Loss Research

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For every weight loss product, there is a theory to explain how it had been formulated. While some are based on scientifically supported findings, there are some which are downright absurd. Scientists have started to explore some of these theories.

A new and interesting area of weight gain research centers on the possibility that the type of bacteria predominant in a person's intestines determines his or her ability to lose weight.

When you enter this world as an infant, trillions of microorganisms enter your gut. By the time you are two years old, these microorganisms are just about complete and doing different functions including digestion and vitamin production. According to some researchers, these microscopic organisms play an important role in the weight gain process.

Two different types of bacteria are present in the digestive system--bacteroidetes and firmicutes. Among the functions they perform is the drawing out of calories from foods eaten. Studies are now being done on the possibility that the type of bacteria predominant in the digestive tract determines whether an individual has more tendency to put on weight than others.

Recent studies on mice and humans show that those with more firmicutes in their digestive tracts extracted significantlymore calories from the same amount of food than those with more bacteroidetes. In other words, if two individuals of about the same weight ate the same amount of a given food, the person with more intestinal firmicutes would be consuming more calories.

In a year-long study, twelve obese individuals stayed on a fixed predetermined diet. Each participant's progress was monitored by a the team of researchers throughout the 12-month period. Prior to the diet, their gut bacteria were mostly firmicutes. However, as they got rid of excess weight, the researchers noted significant changes in bacterial levels. There was an increase in the number of bacteriods, making the bacterial balance closely similar to that of leaner people. Studies such as this and others like it have prompted researchers to look into other unconventional weight loss theories.

This new direction in the study of the weight loss process gives renewed hope to the many people who have been struggling with obesity. Should the regulation of bacterial balance prove to indeed result in weight loss, the concept of dieting as we know it would be rendered obsolete. The weight loss and fitness industries would be radically changed. However, as we all wait for the final verdict on this matter, a complete program that includes both diet and exercise remains to be the best weight loss option available.


About the Author:
Charles Volcolatte is a health and weight loss researcher for http://www.skinnyasap.com/. He writes and researches actively on Weight Loss Information and shares his knowledge at http://www.skinnyasap.com/ where he works as a staff writer.



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