Scientists addressing the global obesity crisis have made a significant breakthrough, revealing that intermittent fasting induces profound positive changes in both the gut and the brain. A comprehensive 62-day study conducted by Chinese researchers focused on 25 obese volunteers who participated in an intermittent energy restriction (IER) program, involving careful control of calorie intake and periodic fasting. The results of the study were compelling, showing that participants not only lost an average of 7.6 kilograms (16.8 pounds), equivalent to 7.8% of their body weight, but also exhibited alterations in both brain activity and gut microbiota composition.
Qiang Zeng, a health researcher from the Second Medical Center and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases in China, emphasized the dynamic changes observed in the brain-gut-microbiome axis due to the IER diet. While the exact cause of these changes remains unknown, the undeniable connection between the gut and the brain has been established. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scans revealed changes in critical brain regions associated with appetite regulation and addiction.
One noteworthy finding was the altered activity in the inferior frontal orbital gyrus, shedding light on the brain’s role in weight management. Stool samples and blood measurements were analyzed, pinpointing changes in the gut microbiome linked to specific brain regions. Certain bacteria, such as Coprococcus and Eubacterium hallii, showed associations with the left inferior frontal orbital gyrus, influencing executive functions like willpower in food intake.
The study’s significance lies in its potential implications for addressing the global obesity crisis, as over a billion people worldwide face health risks associated with obesity. Understanding the intricate relationship between the brain and the gut becomes crucial for effective prevention and reduction strategies.
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