Over the last few years, there has been increasing medical opinion that much of the body’s health problems like weight gain and perpetual hunger could be originated in the stomach. For Indians with unexplained weight loss or gain in spite of regular food or measured portions, the solution could lie not in the food they eat but the way the body processes and digests it.
The gut, or gastrointestinal tract, is inhabited by trillions of bacteria that comprise what’s called the gut microbiome. This intricate community of microorganisms dictates everything from digestion and nutrient consumption to immunity, metabolism, and even mood. If this balance is disrupted a process called dysbiosis it can set off a sequence of metabolic and hormonal reactions that lead to weight gain, bloating, fatigue, and cravings for unhealthy foods.
Here’s how body weight is affected by gut health:
1. Gut bacteria and metabolism
Some species of gut bacteria are responsible for the breakdown of food and its conversion to energy directly. Their imbalance slows down metabolism and leads to fat storage in the body even when calorie consumption is not higher. A non-diverse gut may also release fewer short-chain fatty acids, which are proven to suppress appetite and fat burning.
2. Effect on hunger hormones and cravings
An unhealthy gut can elevate levels of ghrelin (the hunger hormone) and lower leptin (the satiety hormone), leaving individuals hungrier more frequently. This imbalance may result in constant cravings, particularly for sugar and processed foods a complaint that most Indian patients with unpredictable eating habits raise.
3. Role of antibiotics and processed foods
The overuse of antibiotics, and even consumption of highly processed foods, can destroy the lining of the gut and eliminate beneficial bacteria. Self-medication and frequent use of antibiotics are extremely prevalent in India and lead to chronic digestive imbalances.
4. The stress connection
Stress, which is widespread in Indian urban lifestyles, can modify gut microbiota and enhance inflammation. The gut-brain axis two-way communication between the digestive system and the brain — implies that stress has a direct effect on digestion and appetite regulation.