Can losing weight be as simple as eating a morning bowl of oats? According to a new study, the answer might be yes. Researchers have identified the type of fiber commonly found in oats and barley that shows significant potential for weight loss.

The latest study published in the Journal of Nutrition discovered that beta-glucan, a type of fiber found in many foods, including oats, barley, sorghum, maize, mushrooms, seaweeds, and yeasts can reduce body weight and obesity.

While investigating the impact of various plant fibers on gut microbiota, researchers found that beta-glucan is especially effective in weight loss. After analyzing fibers such as pectin, wheat dextrin, starch, and cellulose, researchers found that only beta-glucan led to significant reductions in body weight and fat, as well as improved glucose regulation, in their mouse study.

"We know that fiber is important and beneficial; the problem is that there are so many different types of fiber. We wanted to know what kind of fiber would be most beneficial for weight loss and improvements in glucose homeostasis so that we can inform the community, the consumer, and then also inform the agricultural industry," Frank Duca, associate professor from the University of Arizona, who led the study, said in a news release.

The weight loss effect of beta-glucan is attributed to the changes in the molecules produced when gut bacteria interact with the fiber, especially a molecule called butyrate. Butyrate fuels colon cells, helps maintain a healthy gut barrier, and reduces inflammation. It also stimulates the release of gut peptides like GLP-1, which helps regulate gut functions and can make you feel full.

The anti-obesity drugs such as semaglutide have synthetic versions of GLP-1 to boost insulin and control appetite. Unlike natural GLP-1 which quickly breaks down near the intestine, they are designed to last longer.

"Part of the benefits of consuming dietary fiber is through the release of GLP-1 and other gut peptides that regulate appetite and body weight. However, we don't think that's all of the effect. We think that there are other beneficial things that butyrate could be doing that are not gut peptide related, such as improving gut barrier health and targeting peripheral organs like the liver," Duca said.

The researcher said his team is continuing the study of other types of fiber that can be beneficial for weight reduction. Meanwhile, the researchers believe that β-glucan consumption is a promising dietary strategy for controlling metabolic diseases.

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