Weight loss products are backed up by various theories to explain why they are formulated as such. Some make sense while others border on the absurd. Scientist have started to take a look at some of these.

One of the newer areas of weight gain research focuses on the theory that the type of bacteria that is predominant in the gut accounts for one's ability to lose weight.

The moment you are born, trillions of microorganisms invade your gut. By the time you reach the age of two, these microorganisms are almost complete and by then are performing various functions in bodily processes such as digestion and vitamin production. There are some who believe that these microscopic organisms play a significant role in weight loss.

There are two different types of bacteria that can be found in your digestive system bacteroidetes and firmicutes. These organisms perform several functions and one of these is the extraction of calories from the food you eat. Scientists are trying to find the reason why some people have a stronger tendency to gain weight than others and one possibility they are trying to explore has to do with the type of bacteria that is predominant in the digestive system.

Studies were done recently on mice and humans. The results from these studies showed that those with more fimicutes in their digestive tracts extracted significantly more calories from the same amount of food than those with more bacteroidetes. What this means is that if two different people with more or less the same weight ate the same amount of a certain food, the one with more firmicutes in his or her gut would consume more calories.

In one study, twelve obese people followed a fixed predetermined diet for twelve months and their individual progress was tracked by researchers throughout this period. Before they started on the diet, their gut bacteria levels primarily consisted of firmicutes. As they lost more weight however, it was noticed that changes in bacterial levels also took place, with bacteroids increasing in concentration just like those of leaner people. This study and others like it are leading researchers to look into other theories about weight loss and dieting which deviate from the conventional.

These studies may be very new but they give renewed hope to many who continuously struggle with obesity and being overweight. If indeed weight loss can be induced by regulating the balance of bacteria in the intestines, the entire concept of dieting would be radically transformed the weight loss and fitness industries would be turned upside down. In the meantime however, as further research is being done, the best thing to do is stick to the time tested and proven weight loss approach of a healthy diet and regular exercise.