Natural alternative to anti-obesity medication linked to weight loss and improved gut health

Researchers at the University of South Australia have created a food-grade natural alternative to anti-obesity medications — InuMCT microcapsules. These inulin-coated medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) microcapsules are designed to help reduce inflammation and improve metabolic markers, such as blood glucose levels, without the side effects associated with prescription drugs. 

The team tested the InuMCT capsules on rats with diet-induced obesity over 21 days. The capsules significantly reduced Western diet-induced weight gain, lowered blood glucose levels by 15%, increased HDL (“good”) cholesterol by 23% and reduced inflammation to normal diet levels. Inflammation contributes to obesity-related and other diseases.

Moreover, the microcapsules reduced liver enzyme levels, linked to obesity and poor diet, by up to 47% and improved protective gut bacteria supporting the gut lining. 

“Obesity is a global epidemic with multifaceted health problems that extend far beyond weight gain,” says lead author Amin Ariaee, Ph.D.

“We know obesity is a state of systemic inflammation, resulting from a complex biochemical pathway rather than simply excess calories. But despite this, current treatments tend to ignore the role of the gut microbiome, instead focusing on downstream effects, such as body weight and hyperglycemia.”

He says that InuMCT microcapsules offer an alternative to anti-obesity drugs, such as Ozempic, that tend to upset the gut microbiome. This leads to “unpleasant side effects such as nausea, stomach pain and diarrhea and can also exacerbate long-term inflammation and weight gain.”

Food-grade microcapsules

In the study, published in Advanced Therapeutics, the researchers detail that inulin prebiotic fibers have been shown to promote the gut microbiome and that digesting MCTs, free fatty acids and mono- or diglycerides (glycerides naturally present in food fats) can lower inflammation. 

They created InuMCT by spray drying an MCT nanoemulsion with a liquid form of inulin. When these microcapsules, smaller than a red blood cell, reach the gastrointestinal tract, the microbiome utilizes inulin and MCT exerts an anti-inflammatory effect. The authors note that this combination results in a solid dosage that can be taken as a tablet or capsule. 

Side effects linked to anti-obesity drugs include nausea, stomach pain and diarrhea.“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,” says Ariaee. “The results we’re seeing are extremely positive — for weight reduction and metabolic health.”

The researchers randomly assigned 24 healthy rats into one of four groups. They followed a regular diet with 5% of calories from fat, a high-fat diet with 44 calories from fat, a high-fat diet supplemented with inulin or a high-fat diet with InuMCT microcapsules. 

The results highlight “InuMCT’s superior efficacy, offering a promising strategy for combating obesity and related metabolic diseases.” 

Holistic health through the gut

Senior researcher Dr. Paul Joyce says that combining InuMCT with other obesity treatments can promote weight loss, metabolic health and long-term gut health at the same time. 

“Obesity is a modifiable disease. InuMCT offers a promising strategy for addressing obesity and improving overall health.”

“Cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, kidney disease and even mental health conditions are all associated with obesity. But rather than addressing just one symptom, such as excess weight, we’re taking a holistic approach to treatment to address all,” adds Joyce.

“Our InuMCT microcapsules deliver a viable and effective means to target obesity and metabolic disease while concurrently supporting gut health.”

He adds that the microcapsules can support metabolic health without the “uncomfortable side effects so commonly reported with pharmaceutical obesity treatments.”

The researchers spray dried an MCT nanoemulsion with a liquid form of inulin to create the microcapsules, which can be used in tablets or capsules.Due to the side effects associated with GLP-1 agonist medications and their high costs, many consumers stop taking the drugs within a year. 

The researchers plan to investigate InuMCT’s potential as a standalone or adjuvant therapy in clinical settings. Moreover, they note that investigating the microcapsules’ multifunctional benefits could accelerate their role in managing obesity and related metabolic diseases, “offering a novel and effective therapeutic approach.” 

Weight management advances

GLP-1 weight loss medicines like Ozempic and Semaglutide are increasingly popular among growing obesity rates. Their associated side effects, accessibility and cost issues drive researchers and nutrition companies to seek alternatives. 

For example, SuanNutra has developed Metabolaid, which is complementary to pharmacological weight loss treatments. The patented formulation, which contains hibiscus and lemon verbena, supports healthy weight management, blood pressure, cholesterol levels, appetite and gut health. Also, Epitomee Medical developed a weight-loss capsule that absorbs water in the stomach to occupy volume and result in a “sensation of fullness.” 

Kourtney Kardashian Barker’s brand, Lemme, recently launched a supplement to boost GLP-1 hormone levels and support healthy weight management. The product includes three patented weight-loss ingredients, such as Eriomin by Ingredients by Nature, which helps maintain healthy blood glucose and GLP-1 levels. 

At the same time, companies are also expanding their offering of GLP-1 complementary products. For example, ADM launched a nutritional solutions platform for users of anti-obesity medications, while Allurion Technologies unveiled an AI weight loss program to complement its GLP-1 agonist prescription service.