Scientists Reveal Natural Process That Could Replace Ozempic

Amid concerns over the widespread use and potential side effects of popular weight loss and diabetes medications like Ozempic, recent research might have uncovered a promising natural alternative which utilises the body’s own biology.
Scientists at Jiangnan University in China recently found that there is a specific gut microbe known as Bacteroides vulgatus, which can naturally help regulate blood sugar levels and cut sugar cravings – two effects that are associated with the use of Ozempic’s active ingredient, semaglutide.
The latest discovery centres around a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which is a hormone that is naturally produced in the gut and plays a crucial role in regulating one’s blood sugar and appetite. When one takes Ozempic, the semaglutide mimics GLP-1, thus helping to treat type 2 diabetes and aid in weight loss.
Ozempic, however, comes withvarious side effectsranging from nausea to other more serious health risks, and this has prompted health authorities and researchers to explore more natural alternatives.
Researchers initially experimented with mice, which were introduced to metabolites produced byB. vulgatus. They found that there was a notable increase in the secretion of GLP-1 as a result.
In addition, the hormonal boost also triggered the release of fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21). This is another hormone known to reduce sugar cravings and improve metabolic function.
The GLP-1 and FGF21 resulted in betterblood sugar regulationand a lessened desire for sweet foods in the test subjects, suggesting that the right microbial balance was the key in enabling the body to perform the same functions as GLP-1 medication.
To prove the theory on humans, researchers analysed blood samples from 60 individuals with type 2 diabetes and 24 participants. They discovered that those with mutations in the Ffar4 gene, which diminishes FGF21 production, were more likely to crave sugar and had reduced populations ofB. vulgatusin their gut.
The correlations suggested a link between gut microbiota composition, genetic factors and dietary behaviour, which is a driving factor in the progression of metabolic disorders.
In simpler terms, people with a specific genetic mutation that lowers the FGF21 hormone tend to have fewer of the helpful gut bacteria and are more likely to crave sugary foods.
According to the researchers, these findings highlight the potential for using gut microbiota as a means for metabolic health interventions, instead of the popular Ozempic medication.
One can simply reduce their sugar cravings by promoting the growth of beneficial microbes like B. vulgatus, since it will enable the body to naturally stimulate hormone production and ultimately manage diabetes.
It is, however, kind to note that the gut microbiome has complexities and while the early results are promising, scientists caution that more research is needed to fully understand the implications for humans.