GLP-1 and the Gut Microbiome: The SCFA Connection
How Short - Chain Fatty Acids Supercharge Appetite - Control Hormones
Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), produced by gut bacteria pack a powerful punch in regulating appetite by boosting GLP-1 and other key hormones. These mighty metabolites—like acetate, propionate, and butyrate—activate receptors on intestinal L-cells, triggering the release of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), a hormone that slams the brakes on hunger while enhancing insulin secretion. SCFAs also crank up peptide YY (PYY), another gut hormone that signals fullness, and tweak the hypothalamic circuitry to dial down appetite.​
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Firmicutes vs. Bacteroidetes in the Weight Gain Game
The ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes, two dominant bacterial phyla in the human gut microbiome, has emerged as a intriguing player in the science of weight gain. Research suggests that a higher Firmicutes-to-Bacteroidetes (F/B) ratio may be linked to increased body weight, as Firmicutes are particularly efficient at extracting energy from food, especially complex carbohydrates, leading to greater calorie absorption. In contrast, Bacteroidetes are associated with leaner profiles, potentially due to their role in breaking down less calorie-dense substrates.
Testing will give us the ratios between Bacteroides/Firmicutes critical in weight management