Scientists have uncovered a potential natural alternative to Ozempic, the popular diabetes and weight-loss medication, by tapping into the power of gut microbes that can regulate blood sugar levels and curb sugar cravings. The latest research, led by a team from Jiangnan University in China and published in Nature Microbiology, points to the gut bacterium Bacteroides vulgatus and its metabolites as key players in stimulating the body’s natural production of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), a hormone crucial for maintaining healthy blood sugar and satiety. While initial results are based on animal studies, this discovery raises fresh hope for safer, more accessible strategies to treat diabetes—potentially transforming the landscape for millions of people in Thailand and around the globe who struggle with blood sugar management and sugar cravings [ScienceAlert].
Thailand, like many countries, faces a growing epidemic of type 2 diabetes, with the Ministry of Public Health reporting that nearly 10% of the population is now living with this condition [Thailand Ministry of Public Health]. Ozempic and similar GLP-1 agonists have surged in popularity due to their efficacy in lowering blood sugar and promoting weight loss. However, concerns over cost, limited accessibility, and side effects have prompted many Thai patients and medical professionals to seek alternative approaches rooted in lifestyle, nutrition, and preventive care. The prospect of harnessing naturally occurring gut microbes to achieve similar results is therefore highly significant for the Thai healthcare landscape.
The Jiangnan University-led study explored how increasing the abundance of Bacteroides vulgatus in diabetic mice triggered a cascade of beneficial effects. These microbes produced metabolites that “orchestrated the secretion of GLP-1”—the very hormone mimicked by medications like Ozempic. GLP-1 not only lowers blood sugar after eating but also signals the brain to promote feelings of fullness, helping to reduce overeating and cravings for sweets. Type 2 diabetes often involves impaired GLP-1 function, making it challenging for patients to manage both appetite and glucose control. Traditionally, drugs like semaglutide—the active ingredient in Ozempic—are prescribed to fill this gap [Nature Microbiology, 2025].
What makes this discovery especially noteworthy is the way gut microbes and their byproducts interact with host physiology. The study identified that certain proteins in the gut, such as Ffar4, are vital for maintaining colonies of B. vulgatus. In mice lacking this protein, colonies diminished, reducing production of the hormone FGF21—a key regulator of sugar preference and cravings. Past research has shown FGF21 is also stimulated by GLP-1 agonist drugs and that people with specific genetic variants for FGF21 seem predisposed to consume more sugar. In a related human study involving Thai and Chinese participants with type 2 diabetes, the researchers found mutations affecting FGF21 production correlated with a stronger “sweet tooth” and increased risk of developing diabetes.
By treating diabetic mice with a metabolite from B. vulgatus, the team observed a surge in GLP-1, which then stimulated FGF21 secretion. The synchronized action of these hormones meant better blood sugar regulation and diminished sugar cravings—a combination often sought by those managing diabetes and weight concerns. Although these findings await replication in large-scale human trials, they suggest that manipulating the gut microbiome through dietary or probiotic interventions might soon emerge as an effective, natural tool for diabetes prevention and management.
According to an endocrinologist at Siriraj Hospital, “The gut-brain axis and microbiome are increasingly recognized as central to metabolic health. If future studies confirm that specific gut bacteria can reliably boost GLP-1 and curb sugar cravings in humans, we could see a paradigm shift in diabetes management that is especially relevant to Asian populations, where dietary habits and genetics influence risk.” This sentiment is echoed by specialists at Chulalongkorn University, who stress the importance of culturally adapted dietary approaches for Thai patients.
For Thailand, a country where rice and starchy foods are dietary staples and the consumption of sweetened beverages is on the rise, understanding the gut’s influence on cravings is especially relevant. Public health campaigns have long sought to encourage Thais to moderate sugar intake, yet willpower and nutritional counseling often fall short when biological signals for sweetness remain unaddressed. The possibility that gut bacteria could be “trained” or supplemented to reduce sugar preference is not only scientifically exciting but also culturally transformative, offering a way to align traditional cuisine with modern health needs.
Historically, Thai traditional medicine has recognized the importance of digestive health, and recent years have seen a surge in interest in probiotics, fermented foods, and herbal remedies. While many of these approaches are anecdotal or based on centuries-old wisdom, the new research provides a molecular basis for why certain gut microbes—possibly influenced by fermented foods common in Thai diets, such as pla ra (fermented fish) or pickled vegetables—might have a measurable impact on metabolic health.
Looking ahead, experts foresee a future where personalized nutrition and microbiome-targeted probiotics could be prescribed alongside—or even instead of—modern pharmaceuticals. Companies are already developing new probiotic supplements and fermented food products tailored to stimulate beneficial gut bacteria like B. vulgatus. However, they caution that much remains unknown about the human microbiome’s complexity and how interventions may affect individuals of different backgrounds, ages, and health statuses.
For the Thai public, the most practical steps remain rooted in established advice: maintain a balanced diet rich in fiber, whole grains, and fermented foods; avoid excessive sugars and processed foods; and stay physically active. As research into gut microbes continues, diabetes patients in Thailand should consult medical professionals before starting any new probiotics or supplements claiming to replace or mimic prescribed medications. The potential for a natural alternative to Ozempic is promising, but it will require further clinical trials and regulatory guidance before widespread adoption is possible.
Thai healthcare authorities and research institutions are encouraged to closely monitor developments in microbiome research and consider collaboration with international teams to assess local applicability. In the meantime, promoting gut-friendly diets and raising awareness about the role of the microbiome in cravings and blood sugar control can empower Thai individuals to make informed decisions for better health.
For more details on the scientific study, readers can consult the original article on ScienceAlert and the published paper in Nature Microbiology.