A recent research study has uncovered a connection between gut microbes and brain activity in obese patients undergoing intermittent fasting. More than a billion people worldwide struggle with obesity, which can lead to serious health issues like heart disease and diabetes. Despite numerous weight-loss methods, maintaining long-term weight loss remains a challenge due to the body’s natural resistance to shedding excess weight.
The study, conducted by researchers from China, focused on obese individuals following an intermittent energy restriction (IER) diet, alternating between normal eating days and calorie-restricted days. Over a period of 62 days, 25 obese adults were closely monitored using advanced tools like metagenomic sequencing, blood analysis, and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).
Participants experienced significant weight loss, averaging 7.6 kilograms, along with reductions in waist size and body fat. Notably, changes were observed in both the brain and gut during the study period. Brain scans revealed alterations in regions associated with addiction and appetite, such as decreased activity in the left orbital inferior frontal gyrus, a key area for self-control and decision-making.
These findings suggest that the brain and gut microbiome undergo synchronized changes during weight loss, potentially influencing behavior and eating habits. Dr. Qiang Zeng from the Health Management Institute of the PLA General Hospital in Beijing emphasized the dynamic and interconnected nature of these changes over time.
In obese participants undergoing Intermittent Energy Restriction (IER), significant changes were observed in brain regions such as the inferior frontal orbital gyrus (D), left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (E), and anterior cingulate cortex (F). These findings were reported by Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology.
In addition to alterations in brain activity, there were notable shifts in gut microbes. Certain beneficial bacteria like Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, Parabacteroides distasonis, and Bacteroides uniformis saw an increase, while levels of potentially harmful Escherichia coli decreased.
Interestingly, these microbial changes were found to be associated with changes in brain function. Bacteria such as Coprococcus comes and Eubacterium hallii showed negative correlations with brain regions related to executive control, whereas P. distasonis and Flavonifractor plautii displayed positive associations with areas linked to emotion, learning, and motor control.
Dr. Yongli Li from Henan Provincial People’s Hospital emphasized the importance of a healthy gut microbiome in regulating energy balance and weight. An unhealthy gut microbiome could influence eating habits by impacting specific brain regions involved in addiction.
Researchers refer to the bidirectional communication between the brain and gut as the brain-gut-microbiome (BGM) axis. This communication plays a crucial role in how food affects hunger cues and how the brain influences gut microbial composition through various signaling pathways.
When the balance of gut microbes is disrupted, it can lead to metabolic disorders and abnormal brain function, making it challenging to control cravings and manage weight effectively.
While the study highlighted the strong relationship between changes in gut bacteria and brain function, it did not establish a definitive causal link between the two. Understanding the precise gut microbiome and brain regions crucial for weight management is a key question researchers are aiming to answer.
Insights into the brain-gut interaction could lead to innovative strategies for combating obesity, such as personalized nutrition plans or targeted therapies that modulate brain signals or gut bacteria directly. These advancements, detailed in Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology, signal a promising future where addressing obesity goes beyond mere dietary restrictions.
Learn about harnessing the potent mechanisms within your body that regulate appetite, satisfaction, and discipline. Kindly note that the mentioned article is courtesy of The Brighter Side of News. Interested in more uplifting content like this? Subscribe to The Brighter Side of News newsletter.
