Weight-loss jabs are, unarguably, a short-cut to shedding pounds – helping dampen appetite, quieten ‘food noise’ and burn fat. But once users stop taking the medication, weight rapidly creeps back on.
Latest research suggests that within 18 months of quitting weight-loss injections, most people are as heavy, or even heavier, than they were before they started using them
But could a little-known 30p-a-day supplement available in health food stores be the solution?
Research suggests that akkermansia muciniphila, a type of probiotic – or ‘friendly’ bacteria – which is found in capsule form, can help people who are no longer using jabs keep better control.
And now some experts believe it could do the same for people worried about coming off the shots and regaining of their weight.
So what exactly is this miraculous-sounding and difficult to pronounce pill – and how does it work?
Akkermansia is found naturally in the human gut, where it forms part of the microbiome – the trillions of bacteria, viruses, fungi and other microbes involved in digestion, immunity and other bodily functions.
Research suggests the bacteria may play a role in pathways linked to GLP-1, the hormone involved in regulating appetite and blood sugar.
Latest research suggests that within 18 months of quitting weight-loss injections, most people are as heavy, or even heavier, than they were before they started using them
GLP-1 is the same hormone targeted by weight-loss jabs such as Wegovy and Mounjaro.
One reason many patients struggle after stopping the drugs is that the appetite-suppressing effect disappears, causing hunger and food cravings to return.
Some former users describe feeling constantly hungry after coming off the injections.
Experts are now investigating whether taking akkermansia in supplement form could help provide a stop-gap for some patients – offering a more gradual transition stopping using the jabs, alongside diet and lifestyle changes.
Nutritionist Matt Jarosy says: ‘What’s really interesting about akkermansia is how it interacts with GLP-1 receptors in the gut and brain, in a similar way to the jabs, helping regulate blood sugar and appetite – highlighting how you can use the microbiome to influence weight.
‘Taking akkermansia alongside a healthy diet may help shift the microbiome in a healthier direction, reducing inflammation and boosting gut diversity in the long term.’
One study – published in the journal Nature Medicine – found that people who took akkermansia supplements after losing weight through dieting regained around 20 per cent less weight than those given placebo pills.
Six months later, they weighed around 3kg lighter than those who followed a healthy diet alone.
Akkermansia supplements can be bought for as little as 30p, with more premium brands charging £1.50 for their freeze-dried live cultures
Those taking the supplement also showed better blood sugar control, significantly reducing their risk of developing pre-diabetes, heart attack and stroke.
The researchers, led by Dr Ellen Blaak, a human biologist at Maastricht University, reports: ‘Our results represent a promising strategy for long-term weight management after calorie restriction or GLP-1 receptor antagonist use.’
Maintaining the equilibrium of the gut microbiome is increasingly viewed as essential to our health – hence the popularity of probiotic supplements.
‘Exposing the gut microbiome to just one new bacteria can have a profound impact on your weight and overall metabolic health,’ Jarosy says.
‘But around 85 per cent of people have really low levels of akkermansia – partly because it needs a healthy diet full of polyphenols and antioxidants, found in fresh fruit and vegetables, to really thrive.
‘And because so many people are on antibiotics, which wipe out both harmful and beneficial bacteria, it can take a lot of work to get these good bugs back.’
Dr Ruby Aktar, a neuro-gastroenterologist and co-founder of gut-health supplement Ecella, added: ‘Good gut health is not only about introducing beneficial bacteria, but how the microbiome as a whole interacts with nutrients, communicates with the brain, regulates hormones and maintains a healthy gut environment overall.
‘There is growing evidence that probiotics like akkermansia can play a supportive role by rebuilding the microbial environment that influences appetite and metabolic signalling, including pathways linked to GLP-1s.’
It has long been shown that people with obesity tend to have lower levels of beneficial gut bacteria compared with those of a healthy weight – with some research suggesting the microbiome may play an important role in metabolism and weight regulation.
Scientists have also found that people with higher levels of akkermansia in their gut are less likely to be obese, and that the bacteria may influence how easily a person manages their weight.
Given the link between gut bacteria and weight, experts believe improving the balance of the microbiome may help support weight management naturally, alongside a healthy diet and lifestyle.
One way to do this may be through probiotics such as akkermansia.
There is also evidence that akkermansia supplements may help lower the risk of type 2 diabetes by helping the body respond better to insulin.
In the early stages of the condition – known as pre-diabetes – the body stops responding properly to insulin, the hormone that helps control blood sugar levels.
To cope, the body produces more and more insulin. But over time this can cause blood sugar levels to rise, increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes, as well as heart disease, stroke and kidney problems.
Some human studies suggest akkermansia supplements may help improve this process, lowering insulin levels and helping the body control blood sugar more effectively.
Experts stress, however, that probiotics are not a magic bullet, and any benefits are likely to depend on maintaining a balanced diet.
Consuming at least 30g of fibre a day from a wide range of vegetables, fruit, nuts and seeds is widely considered one of the best ways to support a healthy microbiome.
Jarosy adds: ‘Whether someone is trying to lose weight, is taking weight-loss jabs or is coming off them, improving diet and supporting gut health may help support their long-term metabolic health.
‘Most people do not want to stay on these drugs forever. By focusing on the microbiome and healthier eating habits, people may be able to support their long-term health in a more sustainable way.’
