For many, losing weight is difficult, but that is not the biggest challenge. The real struggle often begins afterward, when the weight gradually starts to return.
According to researchers, one reason is that the body changes its metabolism following weight loss.
As a result, people who have lost weight often need to eat fewer calories than others of the same weight in order to avoid regaining it.
This makes it difficult to maintain results over the long term, even when following the same eating habits, according to Forskning.no.
Also read: Test identified 90 percent of children with autism in new study
Researchers still seeking answers
A new study published in the journal Nature Medicine investigated whether a specific gut bacterium could help keep weight stable.
The researchers believe the bacterium may influence the body's signaling systems and energy balance.
However, they emphasize that they do not yet know exactly why the effect occurs.
Christoffer Clemmensen, a researcher at the University of Copenhagen, considers the findings promising but says that more studies are needed before the supplement can be widely recommended.
Also read: Pam Bondi's cancer diagnosis draws attention to often-missed symptoms
Surprising results
The study included 90 participants who first lost at least eight percent of their body weight through a strict diet program.
Following the weight loss, one group received a daily dietary supplement containing the gut bacterium Akkermansia muciniphila for 24 weeks, while another group did not.
The results showed that the group receiving the supplement regained significantly less weight than the control group.
In addition, more participants in the supplement group were able to maintain their weight loss.
Also read: Two scientists face charges after alleged airport smuggling
The researchers therefore view the bacterium as a potential aid for maintaining weight loss after slimming down, but stress that further research is still needed.
Sources: Forskning.no and Nature Medicine.
Also read: A single cigarette can affect your body within minutes