Beta-Glucan Fiber Shows promise as Natural Weight Loss aid, Mimicking Effects of Ozempic
TUCSON, AZ – A newly published study in the Journal of Nutrition suggests that beta-glucan, a type of soluble fiber found in foods like oats and barley, may offer weight loss and metabolic benefits comparable to those of the popular drug ozempic. Research conducted on mice demonstrates that diets rich in beta-glucan led to reduced body weight and fat content, alongside increased energy expenditure, mirroring the effects observed with semaglutide-based medications.
The study, led by researchers at the University of Arizona, found that beta-glucan consumption increased the abundance of Ileibacterium in the mouse gut - a bacterium previously linked to weight loss in other murine studies. This shift in gut bacteria correlated with higher concentrations of butyrate, a metabolite produced when microbes break down fiber. Butyrate, in turn, stimulates the release of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), a natural hormone that synthetic drugs like Ozempic mimic to promote insulin release and regulate appetite.
“Part of the benefits of consuming dietary fiber is through the release of GLP-1 and other gut peptides that regulate appetite and body weight,” explained researcher Duca in a statement. Though, the team believes butyrate may have additional benefits beyond gut peptide regulation, possibly improving gut barrier health and impacting organs like the liver.
A separate study by Duca,published earlier,showed similar results when rats were fed barley flour,also rich in beta-glucan. Despite maintaining their usual high-fat diet, the rats experienced increased energy expenditure and weight loss.
While these findings are promising, researchers emphasize the need for further inquiry to determine if the same effects can be replicated in humans. The study suggests that not all fibers are created equal, and beta-glucan might potentially be particularly effective for weight management and insulin control.
