Maintaining a healthy weight can get increasingly challenging with age. Starting in the late 30s, the body undergoes changes such as slower basal metabolic rate and hormonal shifts, which can make losing weight more difficult. Weight loss drugs such as Wegovy, Ozempic and Mounjaro have made the news for their game-changing results. They work by mimicking the hormone GLP-1, which helps regulate blood sugar levels, slowing gastric emptying and reducing appetite. Interestingly, scientists in Hong Kong have recently discovered that the secret to weight loss may lie in the gut. Synbiotics—a combination of prebiotics and probiotics—could be a quicker, healthier...

A healthy gut is essential for keeping your wellbeing in check and maintaining your weight. Give your health a boost from the inside with Meluka’s P3 Gut Builder. When it comes to losing weight, nutritionist Bec Miller says there are many factors, beyond maintaining a calorie deficit, that come into play. “One of the most important factors, however? Your gut microbiome,” she says. You don’t have to take Miller’s word for it, though. Emerging research highlights a strong connection between the composition of gut bacteria and body weight, as well as showing how certain bacterial strains influence how efficiently the...

GLP-1 has been hailed as a game-changer in diabetes and obesity management. Fueled by their weight-loss potential, GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy and Ozempic have experienced a surge in popularity, with many turning to them for weight reduction. Interestingly, GLP-1 is a hormone naturally produced in the gut after a meal. It has several important functions in the body, including: Insulin Regulation: This can help regulate blood sugar levels by prompting the pancreas to release insulin when blood sugar rises after eating. Delayed gastric emptying: GLP-1 slows down the rate at which food leaves the stomach and enters the small intestine. This...

A recent review found that probiotics can help improve metabolic health outcomes for adolescents. Conducted by researchers in China, the paper looked at the effect of probiotics on overweight and obese children for weight loss. Looking across four studies with 206 children, some participants were given probiotics, while others were given a placebo.     The Gut-Metabolic Connection The gut plays a crucial role in metabolic health, affecting digestion and nutrient absorption. It also impacts hormone and neurotransmitter production, influencing metabolism, satiety, cravings and eating habits. The paper found that probiotics might assist in lowering levels of certain substances in the...