She lost 18 kg and kept it off for four years: science has just understood what was living against her gut wall
A woman who lost 18 kilograms and maintained it for four years defied obesity research norms. Scientists now understand why: a remarkable gut bacterium called Akkermansia muciniphila living in her intestinal mucus layer. A groundbreaking 2026 trial shows this microbe could revolutionize weight maintenance for millions struggling with diet rebound.