ZOE Science & Nutrition

Is your gut microbiome preventing weight loss? | Dr. Suzanne Devkota and Prof. Tim Spector

Jan 9, 2025

Dr. Suzanne Devkota, Director of the Microbiome Research Institute, and Tim Spector, Professor of Epidemiology, delve into the fascinating world of gut bacteria and its crucial role in managing belly fat. They discuss how specific microbes can either support or hinder weight loss efforts and the complex relationship between visceral fat and immune health. Surprising insights reveal that the diversity of gut bacteria can impact overall well-being, and they share practical tips for improving gut health, including dietary changes and the benefits of fermented foods.

01:03:42

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Episode guests

Tim Spector

Suzanne Devkota

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Quick takeaways

The relationship between gut bacteria and belly fat is complex, influencing weight loss and overall health due to varying microbial effects.

Understanding the distinction between visceral and subcutaneous fat highlights the protective role belly fat can play against health risks.

Incorporating a diverse diet rich in fiber and fermented foods is vital for maintaining gut health and potentially managing belly fat.

Deep dives

The Role of Belly Fat in Health

Belly fat serves more than just a cosmetic purpose; it acts as a storage for excess energy and produces necessary hormones. There are two main types of belly fat: visceral fat, which envelops internal organs, and subcutaneous fat, which lies just beneath the skin. Visceral fat is linked to increased risks of cardiometabolic diseases, while subcutaneous fat, despite being cosmetically undesirable, is less harmful. Understanding the distinction between these types of fat sheds light on why reducing belly fat isn't always the answer and why having some fat might be protective.

Intro

4min

Understanding the Risks of Visceral Fat vs. Subcutaneous Fat

2min

Understanding the Complexities of Body Fat

3min

Uncovering Hidden Metabolic Health

21min

Exploring the Gut-Immune Connection

2min

Gut Microbes and Immune Health

26min

Understanding the Link Between Gut Health and Visceral Fat

4min

Belly fat is more than just stubborn weight – it plays a complex role in our health, interacting with the immune system and gut bacteria. But could gut microbes hold the key to understanding and managing belly fat?

In this episode, Dr. Suzanne Devkota, Director of the Microbiome Research Institute at Cedars-Sinai, shares groundbreaking findings on how gut bacteria interact with belly fat. Tim Spector, professor of epidemiology and scientific co-founder at ZOE, also joins the conversation to explain how the diversity of your gut bacteria affects weight and overall health.

Together, our guests share surprising ways the microbiome influences fat storage and offer practical tips for supporting gut health.

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Timecodes

00:00 The risks of internal fat

01:45 Quickfire questions

03:12 What is belly fat?

04:30 How dangerous is internal fat?

05:44 How our body uses belly fat

16:20 Groundbreaking study on gut bacteria

21:05 These gut bacteria live in your fat tissue