Scientists have made a groundbreaking discovery that could potentially replace weight loss drugs like Ozempic with a natural alternative. Researchers at Jiangnan University in China have identified a gut microbe, Bacteroides vulgatus, and its metabolites that can naturally regulate blood sugar levels and sugar cravings.
The study, published in Nature Microbiology, found that increasing the abundance of this microbe in diabetic mice can stimulate the secretion of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels and feelings of fullness.
GLP-1 is a natural hormone produced by the body, and its impaired function is often seen in people with type 2 diabetes. Drugs like Ozempic mimic this natural process, but researchers are now exploring ways to get the body to produce more GLP-1 on its own. The new research suggests that gut microbes like B. vulgatus and their metabolites may play a key role in shaping a person's sweet tooth.
The study found that mice lacking a gut protein called Ffar4 had reduced gut colonies of B. vulgatus, leading to decreased release of a hormone called FGF21, which is tied to sugar cravings. In humans, genetic variants of FGF21 were linked to an increased preference for sweet foods. The research team also found that treating mice with a metabolite of B. vulgatus boosted GLP-1 secretion, which then triggered the secretion of FGF21.
This breakthrough discovery could lead to new ways to manage weight and blood sugar levels naturally, potentially reducing the need for drugs like Ozempic. Further research is needed to explore the potential of this natural alternative.
