Differences in the gut microbiome—the bacteria and fungi in the gut—are associated with obesity and weight gain, raising the possibility that changing the microbiome could improve health.

New research has identified a specific type of gut bacteria, called Turicibacter, that improves metabolic health and reduces weight gain in mice on a high-fat diet. The results could lead to new ways to control weight by adjusting gut bacteria.

Turicibacter appears to promote metabolic health by producing fatty molecules that are absorbed by the small intestine. When the researchers added purified Turicibacter fats to a high-fat diet, they had the same weight-controlling effects as Turicibacter itself.

The researchers say that Turicibacter’s effects are unlikely to be unique; many different gut bacteria probably contribute to metabolic health. And results based in animal models may not apply to people. But they’re hopeful that Turicibacter could provide a starting point for developing treatments that promote healthy metabolism and prevent excessive weight gain.

Identifying what lipid is having this effect is going to be one of the most important future directions, say the researchers. They explain that since the bacterial lipid already exists in the body and doesn’t appear to have side effects on its own, it could be a natural way to maintain a healthy weight. The results are intriguing and more research will need to be done to determine whether the approach might benefit people.