Gut Health Key to Weight Loss Drug Success, Experts Say – and a Simple Supplement Could Be the Answer
London, UK – New insights reveal a critical link between gut health and the effectiveness of popular weight-loss medications like Mounjaro and Wegovy, with nutritionists urging all patients – both during and after treatment – to prioritize fibre intake to maximize results and prevent weight regain. Experts at zoe, a personalized nutrition company, are highlighting fibre as a “turbo-charger” for these drugs, and a vital component in maintaining weight loss once medication is stopped.
Dr. Federica Amati, head nutritionist at Zoe, explains that many individuals aren’t consuming enough fibre, perhaps hindering the drugs’ efficacy. “People generally don’t eat enough food at all, and notably not enough fibre,” she stated. This lack of fibre can “effectively starve the microbes in your stomach which need to be fed certain nutrients to stay alive.”
the gut microbiome – the complex community of bacteria within the digestive system – plays a crucial role in how well these drugs work. Dr. Amati emphasizes that a healthy microbiome before discontinuing GLP-1 medications considerably increases the likelihood of sustained weight management. “If your microbiome…is in a healthy state before you come off the drugs, it’s far more likely to do its job properly when the chemical GLP-1 leaves your system.”
Research suggests that a fibre-rich diet can even enhance the effectiveness of weight-loss jabs,helping patients achieve greater weight loss. Studies have shown that not all patients respond to the medications, and Dr. Amati believes microbiome composition may be a key factor. “We know from some trials that GLP-1 drugs don’t work for everyone, and we think their efficacy might be affected by the composition of the microbiome,” she says. Twin studies, where one sibling was obese and the other wasn’t, revealed differences in microbiome composition, not genetics, further supporting this connection. “So if you’re eating a gut-amiable diet while you’re on the jabs, it might help you lose more weight.”
So, how can individuals increase their fibre intake? Dr. Amati recommends focusing on foods that “pack the highest fibre punch,” including whole grains like oats, barley, and quinoa, a variety of nuts and seeds, and legumes such as peas, green beans, chickpeas, and lentils.
Alex Glover, also at Zoe, stresses the importance of diversity in fibre sources. “It’s not about just, say, eating more wheat bran for breakfast,” he says. “Research suggests diversity is really vital” for feeding the wide range of bacteria in the gut.
For those struggling to achieve sufficient fibre intake through diet alone, fibre supplements - readily available in powder form at pharmacies and health food stores - offer a viable option. However, Mr. Glover cautions against a sudden increase in fibre consumption.
“Be careful – it’s not about suddenly going from 15g of fibre a day to 40g overnight because that will cause some significant challenges for your gut,” he warns. A gradual increase is key to avoid bloating, constipation, or diarrhoea. “Titre it up slowly – perhaps start by adding a kiwi a day, or a little more fruit, or some beans with dinner, and gradually increase it.”
