- October 25, 2025
Recent research reveals that your gut bacteria play a more significant role in determining your weight than the number of calories you consume. This groundbreaking study sheds light on how the microbiome in your gut can influence your body fat, particularly visceral fat, which is the most harmful type of fat surrounding your organs.
The study focused on visceral fat and discovered that the types of bacteria in your gut can predict the amount of visceral fat you carry, regardless of your calorie intake. This finding challenges the traditional “calories in, calories out” approach to weight management. Instead, it highlights the importance of gut health in maintaining a healthy weight.
Interestingly, the research also found that the intake of specific minerals and nutrients plays a crucial role in determining your weight, rather than just the total energy intake or calories. This suggests that focusing on the quality of your diet, rather than just the quantity, can have a more significant impact on your weight and overall health.
Until now, it has been challenging for researchers to separate the effects of diet and gut microbes because they are so closely linked. What you eat feeds certain strains of bacteria, and these strains, in turn, influence your cravings and food preferences. The study examined the effects of gut microbes, nutrients, and energy intake separately and found that minerals and vegetable fiber, in particular, help grow healthy strains of gut bacteria. These beneficial bacteria improve insulin sensitivity and metabolism, aiding in faster fat burning.
The findings suggest that microbial therapy, such as probiotics, prebiotics, or even fecal transplants, could have a more significant impact on weight management than traditional diet and exercise programs. However, you don’t need expensive treatments to balance your gut bacteria. Here are some practical ways to support your microbiome.
Tests like Viome can analyze your gut bacteria and provide personalized recommendations on how to feed your microbiome properly. The test results link to an app that guides you on what foods to eat more of and what to avoid.
Polyphenols are antioxidant nutrients found in deeply colored vegetables that friendly bacteria love. Coffee, in particular, has the highest polyphenol content of any food in your diet. Incorporating polyphenol-rich foods can help nourish your gut bacteria.
Your gut bacteria thrive on the polyphenols from coffee. Additionally, adding grass-fed butter to your coffee provides butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid that strengthens your gut lining. Here’s a guide on how to make it.
Resistant starch is a type of fiber that your body can’t break down, but your gut bacteria can use it as fuel. It helps you get nutrients out of it and supports the growth of beneficial bacteria. Learn more about resistant starch and how to incorporate it into your diet.
Yes, research shows that the types of bacteria in your gut can predict the amount of visceral fat you carry, regardless of your calorie intake.
Foods rich in polyphenols, such as deeply colored vegetables and coffee, as well as foods high in resistant starch, like raw green bananas and raw potato starch, are excellent for supporting gut health.
Specific minerals and nutrients help grow healthy strains of gut bacteria that improve insulin sensitivity and metabolism, aiding in faster fat burning.
Microbial therapy involves using probiotics, prebiotics, or even fecal transplants to balance gut bacteria and improve health outcomes, including weight management.
Tests like Viome can analyze your gut bacteria and provide personalized recommendations on how to feed your microbiome properly.
By understanding the significant role that gut bacteria play in weight management, you can make more informed choices about your diet and lifestyle. Prioritizing gut health can lead to better weight control and overall well-being.