Popular breakfast option mimics obesity drugs benefits

New research points to a promising natural alternative to Semaglutide - beta-glucan.

This type of fibre, commonly found in oats and barley, has been shown to reduce body weight and obesity. The study, published in The Journal of Nutrition, delves into the effects of various fibres on gut microbiota – the microscopic community in the digestive system responsible for breaking down food.

The research was led by Frank Duca, associate professor at the University of Arizona's Department of Animal and Comparative Biomedical Sciences in the College of Agriculture, Life and Environmental Sciences.

Frank Duca said: "We know that fibre is important and beneficial; the problem is that there are so many different types of fibre.

"We wanted to know what kind of fibre would be most beneficial for weight loss and improvements in glucose homeostasis so that we can inform the community, the consumer, and the agricultural industry."

The researchers examined the impact of five different plant-based fibres in rodent diets: pectin, beta-glucan, wheat dextrin, starch, and cellulose. They found that only beta-glucan significantly reduced body weight and fat while improving glucose homeostasis. This unique fibre, found in oats, barley, mushrooms, and yeasts, showed promising results that warrant further exploration into its various sources and effectiveness.

The study highlighted the importance of metabolites – the molecules produced when gut bacteria interact with fibre – in driving weight-loss effects. A specific metabolite, butyrate, emerged as a key player. Butyrate serves as a crucial fuel source for colon cells, promoting a healthy gut barrier and reducing systemic inflammation. It also induces the release of gut peptides, such as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which regulate gut functions.

Semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic, is a synthetic version of GLP-1, designed to last longer and target the brain, thus helping to stimulate insulin and promote satiety. In contrast, naturally occurring GLP-1 from dietary fibre degrades rapidly near the intestine.

"Part of the benefits of consuming dietary fibre is through the release of GLP-1 and other gut peptides that regulate appetite and body weight," Duca said. "However, we don't think that's all of the effect. We believe there are additional benefits that butyrate provides, beyond gut peptides, such as improving gut barrier health and targeting peripheral organs like the liver."

This research suggests that incorporating beta-glucan-rich foods into one's diet could offer a natural and cost-effective way to achieve weight loss and improve glucose control, potentially rivaling the effects of medications like semaglutide.