Healthcare (Commonwealth Union) – As obesity rates climb, many people are seeking prescription medications like Ozempic to aid in weight loss. However, challenges such as side effects, limited access, and high costs highlight the need for alternative solutions.
Researchers at the University of South Australia have developed a natural, food-grade option to address obesity. This innovative approach not only supports weight loss and enhances metabolic health but also avoids the troublesome side effects often associated with medications.
The solution, called InuMCT microcapsules, is crafted from a plant fiber coating (inulin) combined with medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oils derived from coconut and palm kernel oils. These microcapsules help reduce inflammation and improve key metabolic indicators, including blood glucose levels.
In a groundbreaking 21-day in vivo study, InuMCT microcapsules have demonstrated remarkable efficacy in combating the detrimental effects of western diets. The study highlights a significant 21% overall reduction in weight gain associated with such diets, while also lowering blood sugar by 15% and reducing inflammatory markers by a staggering 78%. Furthermore, InuMCT microcapsules have been shown to lower liver enzyme levels by up to 47%, indicating improved liver function. Additionally, the microcapsules have been found to boost protective gut bacteria by 8.3 times, supporting gut health and preventing conditions like ‘leaky gut’ syndrome. These findings are particularly relevant considering the global obesity epidemic, with statistics showing that obesity affects two-thirds of adults and over a quarter of children in Australia, and at least one in eight people worldwide being obese, leading to an estimated 2.8 million annual deaths.
UniSA PhD researcher Amin Ariaee highlights the potential of InuMCT as a natural solution for addressing metabolic health and obesity-related issues. According to Ariaee, obesity is not merely a matter of weight gain but a global epidemic with far-reaching health consequences. This multifaceted health problem necessitates innovative approaches like InuMCT, which offer a natural path towards improved metabolic health and the management of obesity-related conditions.
“We know obesity is a state of systemic inflammation, resulting from complex biochemical pathway, rather than simply excess calories. But despite this, current treatments tend to ignore role of the gut microbiome, instead focusing on downstream effects, such as body weight and hyperglycaemia.
“Anti-obesity drugs also tend to upset the gut microbiome, which not only leads to unpleasant side effects such as nausea, stomach pain, and diarrhea, but can also exacerbate long term inflammation and weight gain.
“Our research is changing this. The new InuMCT microcapsules are created from food-grade, natural products that actively promote a healthy gut microbiome, reduce inflammation, and significantly reduce excess weight. And the results we’re seeing are extremely positive – both for weight reduction and metabolic health.”
InuMCT microcapsules, smaller than a red blood cell, meticulously crafted through a process that involves spray drying an MCT nanoemulsion with inulin in its liquid form. This innovative combination not only improves the dispersion of the microcapsules but also amplifies their anti-inflammatory properties. The resulting solid dosage form enables convenient consumption as tablets or capsules, ensuring ease of use for individuals seeking to benefit from the unique properties of InuMCT.
Dr. Paul Joyce, a senior researcher, highlights that integrating food-grade InuMCT with other obesity therapies can simultaneously enhance weight management and promote sustained gut health.
Dr. Joyce pointed out that instead of focusing on a single symptom like excess weight, their approach is holistic, addressing the condition as a whole.
He indicated that obesity is linked to numerous health conditions, including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, kidney disease, and mental health disorders and their InuMCT microcapsules provide an effective and practical method to tackle obesity and metabolic disorders while also providing support to gut health.
