Intermittent fasting shows brain and gut changes linked to weight loss, says study
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Beijing: A study exploring the effects of intermittent fasting on weight loss has revealed intriguing insights into the interplay between the human brain, gut, and weight management.
The research, involving 25 obese participants undertaking controlled fasting and calorie intake, resulted in a significant weight reduction of 7.6 kilograms (7.8%) over a 62-day period.
However, the most compelling revelation emerged from the detailed monitoring of brain regions linked to appetite and addiction, coupled with changes in gut bacteria. This dynamic interconnection suggests that intermittent fasting potentially influences weight loss by modulating both brain activity and the gut microbiome, opening avenues for innovative weight management strategies, said the press release.
Researchers in China closely tracked 25 individuals undergoing intermittent energy restriction (IER) for weight loss.
While the primary focus was on observing weight changes, the study revealed more profound implications. Notably, the alterations in brain regions associated with cravings and gut microbiota transformations throughout the study period provided substantial clues about the mechanisms underlying intermittent fasting's impact on weight loss.
These findings challenge the conventional understanding of weight management, emphasising the potential significance of brain-gut interactions in shaping successful strategies for combating obesity.
Dr. Qiang Zeng, the senior author and a researcher at the Health Management Institute of the PLA General Hospital in Beijing, highlighted the study's remarkable outcome.
The observed changes in both brain activity and gut microbiome during and after weight loss hint at a highly dynamic relationship between the two. This insight sparked curiosity about the previously unexplored connections between brain function and gut health in this context.
While obesity remains a pressing global health concern, the study's findings suggest a promising avenue for future weight management approaches.
Beyond the well-documented health risks associated with obesity, this research offers a nuanced understanding of the intricate network between brain activity and the gut microbiome concerning weight loss.