Weight reduction requires persistent effort, including adhering to a diet designed for your fitness requirements and exercising regularly. However, it can sometimes be disheartening when the scale does not reflect any changes, even when you are doing everything correctly. It appears that your gut might be one of the factors hindering your progress. This overlooked aspect of the equation is easy to miss, as most weight loss strategies emphasize actions such as healthy eating and increased activity levels, while rarely addressing the reasons your body might be retaining weight. It's essential to consider the broader context, beyond the narrow focus of diets and exercise.

Dr. Arush Sabharwal, a Bariatric and Metabolic Surgeon at SCOD Clinic, explained why gut problems can be a major obstacle in your weight loss efforts.

He stated, “People today are quite knowledgeable about weight loss and concentrate on it by consuming a calorie-restricted diet, participating in consistent physical exercise, and maintaining sufficient motivation. Yet, a crucial element influencing body weight is frequently neglected, and that is gut health. A well-functioning gut significantly aids in weight management by facilitating proper food digestion and nutrient absorption. Furthermore, gut health is connected to regulating digestive hormones, specifically leptin and ghrelin, which help in managing appetite by reducing hunger. ”

Dr. Ayush provided us with this comprehensive guide detailing the concerning gut issues:

1. Hunger cues with hormones

• The body’s gut-brain axis is highly potent in linking the gut and brain. The digestive tract is responsible for regulating two important hormones - ghrelin (the hunger hormone) and leptin (the satiety hormone).
• An unhealthy gut microbiome causes an imbalance between these two hormones, causing cravings and sometimes overeating too. If you focus on maintaining a healthy gut, well-regulated hormones aid in appetite control, and this, in turn, helps to manage body weight.

2. Metabolism and its link with gut microbiome

• Your gut is home to trillions of healthy bacteria, which comprise the gut microbiome. The role of these healthy microorganisms is to assist in food digestion, absorb essential nutrients, and influence the number of calories the body absorbs.
• If the gut microbiome is well-balanced, there is strong scientific evidence to suggest that an individual will have less body fat and maintain an optimal body weight. However, if the diet lacks fibre or fermented foods, or if there is excessive antibiotic use, it can disrupt the body’s metabolism and lead to increased fat storage.

3. Body’s inflammatory response and weight gain

• When the body’s ability to digest food is compromised, it leads to chronic inflammation in the gut. The most common causes behind the gut’s inflammatory response include consuming a diet high in sugar and processed foods or certain food intolerances.
• This often leads to the body’s inability to respond to insulin or a decrease in insulin’s efficiency, leading to abdominal weight gain. Healing your gut with anti-inflammatory foods like leafy greens, omega-3s, and fermented foods can help reduce bloating and make weight loss more efficient.

4. Gut’s efficiency in absorbing nutrients

• No matter how healthy your diet is, if you possess a slow metabolism and a sluggish gut, there is a hindrance to nutrient absorption.
• The key nutrients that our body requires for the production of energy, fat burning and thyroid functioning include vitamin B-complex, zinc, magnesium, etc.
• But if you have a compromised gut lining, also known as leaky gut, these energy-synthesising nutrients may go unabsorbed and make the body’s metabolic response poor.

Read Also: Diabetes & Weight Loss Showdown: Mounjaro vs. Ozempic

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