Anyone who wants to lose weight will face a lot of difficulties finding a way that works and sticks. According to data, 13% of adults were considered obese in 2016. This means that they had a BMI (Body Mass Index), of 30 or more. This percentage is expected to have slightly increased in the past five years.
While we’re always told that changing our diet and exercising are the two most effective ways to shed fat, either by putting ourselves into a , or even doing some strength training to increase muscle mass – which – at the end of the day, it can be difficult to stick to a routine and summon the motivation or dedication. These products are often not effective in reducing weight and can be subject to manipulative marketing campaigns. We live in a society that values convenience, so it is no surprise that the weight loss industry is booming.
Nutritionist Madeline Calfas, founder of agrees, saying “Weight [loss] supplement marketing is a billion dollar industry.” Supplements are often taken simultaneously with diet and exercise modifications. This makes any claims of effectiveness more likely.
So, what if there was a naturally produced gut bacteria that could help you burn fat? Although it sounds too good to be true, a new study has made people salivate.
Health-hacker Dave Asprey recently shared the study, conducted by to Instagram. Subdoligranulum bacteria was found to be “nearly absent” in obese and diabetic individuals, while it was found in healthy people.
“It’s not available in supplement form, so for now, your best bet is a heavy make-out session with someone who’s really healthy so they can share bacteria with you.” Would it allow us to lose weight? Madeline doubts it. In fact, it’s probably more a symptom of being healthy, rather than a (good) way to become healthy.
“There are many factors that may be involved ranging from the obvious poor diet choices through to looking at chronically increased inflammation and adrenal function, hormone dysfunction and genetic variances, as well as lifestyle choices,” Madeleine adds. These are best used in conjunction with lifestyle and dietary changes.
“A practitioner can give you all the nutritional support you like, but none of that will change if you don’t put the milkshake down and get up and move.” The answer is sort of yes.
Researching the dark matter of the intestine can have its benefits, but rather than wait for some bizarre bacterium to become available in supplement form, it’s a better idea to change your diet, start exercising and allow your body may start producing the good stuff of its own accord.
