Unlocking Benefits: How a 16-Week Vegan Diet Boosts Gut Microbes for Weight and Health

Researchers did a 16-week study to see if a vegan diet could change gut bacteria related to weight control and diabetes risk. 147 overweight adults that did not have diabetes were split into 2 groups:

Vegan diet group: Ate a low-fat vegan diet for 16 weeks

Control group: Made no diet changes

They measured:

Gut microbiome = bacteria in the gut

Body weight and body fat

Insulin sensitivity related to diabetes

After 16 Weeks:

The vegan group lost much more weight, especially fat mass

They had better insulin sensitivity

Had higher levels of certain good gut bacteria

Bacteria changes were tied to weight loss and better insulin sensitivity

The vegan diet boosted specific gut microbes linked to improvements in weight, body fat, and blood sugar control.

Future Research:

Need studies separating effects of vegan diet itself from simply reduced calories

Fiber seems key - feeds good bacteria that produce compounds that promote weight loss and insulin sensitivity

So this short-term study suggests vegan diets may improve gut microbiota related to diabetes risk and weight management. The role of fiber appears vital. Longer trials directly comparing vegan to other calorie-matched diets are still needed.

Diabetologia. "Short-term study suggests vegan diet can boost gut microbes related to body weight, body composition and blood sugar control." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 16 September 2019. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/09/190916185819.htm