Weight Loss - And What Your Gut Has to Do With It
Ever followed the same weight loss plan as your friend, same meals and exercise, yet got totally different results?
You are not imagining things.
New research from the University of Copenhagen sheds light on why: our bodies as well as the bacteria in our gut can differ a lot from person to person. As Associate Professor Henrik Roager from the Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports puts it, “We are all unique – also in our gut.” [1]
And that uniqueness? It does not just live in your DNA or hormones. A lot of it begins in your gut.
In this article, we explore how your gut environment and microbiome shape your response to weight loss, why GLP-1 medications work differently for everyone, and how Forte80™ can help you feel your best throughout your journey.
What the Copenhagen Study Discovered
Researchers at the University of Copenhagen had 50 participants swallow a high-tech capsule that measured pH, temperature, and pressure as it travelled through their gut. [2]
The findings?
- Gut travel time varied dramatically - the capsule passed through the small intestine in as little as 2 hours for some, and up to 10 hours for others.
- pH levels (which affect bacterial growth and digestion) changed significantly between individuals and along different parts of the intestine.
- These variations affected nutrient absorption, gut microbial activity, and how food was digested.
In short: we don’t all digest or respond to food the same way - and that shapes how our body reacts to weight loss strategies and medications like GLP-1s.
Gut Health: The Hidden Variable in Weight Loss
Your gut is not just a passive tube. It is a dynamic system that helps regulate: [3]
- How full you feel (via gut-brain signals).
- How well you absorb nutrients.
- How your metabolism stores or burns energy.
- How your immune system and inflammation respond.
When this system is off-balance (a condition called dysbiosis), it can affect everything from digestion to weight loss success. [4] And GLP-1 medications, while effective, can further shift your gut ecosystem. [5]
GLP-1 Medications Work - But Not the Same for Everyone
GLP-1 receptor agonists like Ozempic, Wegovy, Zepbound and Mounjaro work by: [6]
- Slowing stomach emptying.
- Reducing appetite.
- Improving blood sugar levels.
But side effects - especially gastrointestinal symptoms - are very common:
- Nausea.
- Constipation.
- Bloating.
- Vomiting.
- Cramping and fatigue. [7]
In fact, gastrointestinal side effects are the #1 reason patients discontinue GLP-1s, according to the UBS Evidence Lab: GLP-1 Consumer Survey. [8]
That is why understanding and supporting your gut environment is so important. How your gut reacts often determines whether you stick with it long enough to get results.
Modern Diets and GLP-1s: A Tough Combo for the Gut
Today’s Western diet, high in processed foods, low in fibre, does little to nurture a healthy microbiome. [9]
When combined with:
- reduced appetite on GLP-1s,
- lower food volume and variety,
- high-fat or low-fiber meals,
it can result in microbial depletion, digestive discomfort, and a less diverse gut, which may reduce the long-term success of your weight loss journey.
Where Forte80™ Comes In
Forte80™ is a probiotic formulated to support people using GLP-1s, by helping stabilise your gut microbiome and reduce common side effects that interfere with progress.
Designed with 80 billion CFUs and clinically relevant strains, Forte80™ helps:
- Relieve side effects with GLP-1s.
- Maintain microbial balance as your eating routine shifts.
- Support digestion, energy, and comfort.
- Promote long-term consistency on your GLP-1 plan.
You are doing the work. Forte80™ helps you stay the course.
Final Thought: Your Gut Deserves Support on This Journey
From the capsule study to real-world experience, one thing is clear:
Weight loss is not one-size-fits-all because no gut is the same.
Whether you are just starting GLP-1 treatment or struggling with digestion along the way, supporting your gut is not optional. It is essential.
Forte80™ is here to support your body, your biology, and your unique path.
Learn more about Forte80™
References:
- All people are unique – also in the gut. ScienceDaily. 2024.
- Procházková N., et al. Gut physiology and environment explain variations in human gut microbiome composition and metabolism. Nature Microbiology. 2024.
- Cryan J. F. , et al. The Microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis. Physiological Reviews. 2019;99(4):1877-2013.
- Koutoukidis D. A., et al. The association of weight loss with changes in the gut microbiota diversity, composition, and intestinal permeability: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Gut Microbes. 2022 Jan 18;14(1):2020068.
- Zeng Y., et al. Crosstalk between glucagon-like peptide 1 and gut microbiota in metabolic diseases. mBio. 2024 Jan 16;15(1):e0203223.
- Sun J., et al. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor: mechanisms and advances in agonists. Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy. 2024 Sep 18;9(1):290.
-
GLP-1 receptor agonists: reminder of the potential side effects and to be aware of the potential for misuse. GOV.UK. 2024.
- UBS. GLP-1: A medication worth $126 billion in sales by 2029? UBS Investment Bank. November 19, 2024.
- Mercer MG. Links Between Western Diet and The Human Gut Microbiome: A Literature Review. URN: CSTD. 2025 Apr 10;9(1).
