Struggling to lose weight? This is the easy way to find out the reason why
Your diet may be pointless if you don't take into account this one thing
IF you’re struggling to lose weight, there may be a surprising reason why.
Many of us spend large chunks of our time trying our new diets or regimes to keep us fit and healthy.
But, when it comes to shedding a few pounds, it can be tricky.
New research has found that there are other things at play when it comes to losing weight – besides calorie counting and exercise.
Like gut bacteria, for example.
Research published in the International Journal of Obesity has revealed that the proportion of some gut bacteria may be connected to how much weight a person is able to lose under certain circumstances.
This means that a one-size-fits-all approach to dieting is pretty pointless.
Scientists from the Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports at the University of Copenhagen observed 62 people with a large weight circumference.
They then got groups of them to follow either the New Nordic Diet (featuring plenty of dark greens, berries and whole grains) or the Average Danish Diet (lean meat, eggs, lettuce, coffee but no grains).
The participants were then grouped according to how much of two different bacteria, called Prevotella and Bacteroides, they had in their bodies.
It was then found that those who had a higher ratio of Prevotella to Bacteroides and followed the New Nordic Diet lost more body fat than those with the same ratio following the Average Danish Diet.
Interestingly, when the ratio was reversed there was no difference in weight loss between the two diet plans.
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Co-author of the study, Professor Arne Astrup, said: “Human intestinal bacteria have been linked to the increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity, and scientists have started to investigate whether the intestinal bacteria can play a role in the treatment of overweight.
“But it is only now that we have a breakthrough demonstrating that certain bacterial species play a decisive role in weight regulation and weight loss.”
And it seems that finding out the lay of the land when it comes to gut-related weight loss is your POO.
The best way to address any possible gut issues is to get a stool sample taken.
Once you know what your ratio is, you can then work to re-balance where needed.
Many gut bacteria imbalances can be reversed through diet, for example, cutting out sugar or ditching booze or caffeine intake.
Supplementing your diet with pre- and probiotics can also help.
Previously, we revealed the reason you should ALWAYS take a peek at your business before you flush the loo.
We also reported on the four simple things YOU can do to shed pounds – and keep the weight off.