Scientists in the United States have identified a daily supplement that appears to promote weight loss comparable to popular injectable medications like Ozempic and Wegovy, according to preliminary research. The supplement, which contains a specific type of heat-killed bacteria, may also double levels of the appetite-suppressing hormone GLP-1 in the gut, similar to the mechanism of the prescription drugs.
This development marks a potential new avenue in weight management, offering an easier-to-use option that does not require a prescription. Current injectable weight-loss medications, while effective, can be costly and have associated side effects. Experts have described the early findings on the supplement as "exciting," suggesting it could become a more accessible alternative.
Potential Mechanism and Study Findings
The supplement's key component is Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, a bacterium that, when killed by heat, becomes a postbiotic. Unlike probiotics, which contain live microorganisms, postbiotics consist of dead bacteria and their compounds. These compounds can create fatty acids that benefit gut cells and are generally more stable than probiotics.
In a study involving 80 overweight or obese U.S. adults, participants took either the supplement or a placebo daily for two months without changing their diet or exercise habits. Those taking the supplement lost an average of 3% of their body weight, while the placebo group gained approximately 0.5 kg (1.1 lbs). In comparison, trials indicate that Wegovy users lose about 4% of their body weight over a similar period.
The supplement group also reported fewer cravings and experienced a more than doubling of GLP-1 levels. Participants taking the supplement reported fewer side effects such as bloating, gas, and stomach pain compared to the placebo group.
Cost and Accessibility
The specific supplement investigated in the trial, ResM, costs approximately £45 for a four-week supply, equating to about £1.50 per day. This is significantly less than the cost of prescription weight-loss injections, which can exceed £300 per month. Probiotic forms of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum are available for as little as £0.20 per pill.
Professor Penny Ward, a pharmaceutical expert from King's College London, noted that the supplement also contains fenugreek extract and vitamins D3 and B12, which might also contribute to its effects. She suggested that the benefits might be similar between probiotic and postbiotic forms, and potentially even found in fermented foods like kimchi or yogurt.
Expert Opinions and Cautions
Naveed Sattar, professor of cardiometabolic medicine at the University of Glasgow, called the early data "somewhat exciting" but emphasized the need for more research. Other experts suggest that such supplements could be useful for maintaining weight loss after discontinuing injectable medications, as studies show weight regain can occur.
Dr. Madusha Peiris, a neurogastroenterologist at Queen Mary University of London, cautioned against using the supplement to enhance the effects of weight-loss jabs, recommending it more as a transition aid after stopping such medications to avoid excessive hormone levels.
The study was funded by the supplement company, and its findings have not yet undergone peer review. Researchers did not track participants' diets or exercise, meaning changes in these areas cannot be ruled out as contributing factors to the weight loss.
Safety Concerns and Alternatives
Experts universally advise consulting a medical professional before taking any new supplement, as allergic reactions to ingredients like Lactiplantibacillus plantarum are possible. Severe reactions can include facial swelling, breathing difficulties, and rashes.
Concerns about the safety of weight-loss injections have also been highlighted. Recent analyses of drug safety data have linked hundreds of deaths to these medications in the UK, with tens of thousands of suspected adverse reactions reported. The article references specific cases of fatalities linked to Mounjaro.
Other compounds, such as berberine, a plant compound sometimes referred to as "nature's Ozempic," are also being investigated for their potential to increase GLP-1 production by altering gut bacteria.