Australian researchers have developed a new obesity treatment that reduces weight without the side-effects of currently popular prescription medicines.
University of South Australia PhD researcher Amin Ariaee said a team had developed a new, food-grade, natural solution for obesity, that cut kilos and improved metabolic health.
Mr Ariaee said new the InuMCT microcapsules were engineered from a plant fibre coating (inulin) and a combination of coconut and palm kernel oils (medium chain triglyceride – or MCT – oils) and reduced inflammation and improved metabolic markers, such as blood glucose levels.
He said tests showed using the InuMCT microcapsules resulted in a significant overall reduction in western diet-induced weight gain after 21 days.
“Western diets are typically high in fats and contribute towards obesity.
“As obesity rates continue to rise, many are turning to prescription medicines like Ozempic for weight loss, but with significant side effects, accessibility and cost issues.”
Mr Ariaee said, in tests, the InuMCT microcapsules also lowered blood sugar, an essential factor in managing obesity and diabetes, by 15 percent.
He said it also reduced liver enzyme levels by up to 47 percent and improved protective gut bacteria by more than 8-fold.
“Obesity is a global epidemic with multifaceted health problems that extends far beyond weight gain.
“We know obesity is a state of systemic inflammation, resulting from complex biochemical pathway, rather than simply excess calories.
“But despite this, current treatments tend to ignore role of the gut microbiome, instead focusing on downstream effects, such as body weight and hyperglycaemia.”
Mr Ariaee said anti-obesity drugs also tended to upset the gut microbiome, which not only led to unpleasant side effects such as nausea, stomach pain, and diarrhea, but could also exacerbate long term inflammation and weight gain.
“Our research is changing this. The new InuMCT microcapsules are created from food-grade, natural products that actively promote a healthy gut microbiome, reduce inflammation, and significantly reduce excess weight. And the results we’re seeing are extremely positive – both for weight reduction and metabolic health.”
Read the full study: Therapeutic Potential of Inulin-Coated MCT Microcapsules in Modulating the Gut Microbiome for Effective Treatment of Diet-Induced Obesity.
