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The researchers analyzed the bacterial diversity of 3,600 stool samples from 1,300 twins. Then, they measured the participants’ visceral body fat (the belly fat embedded in your organs) and sub-cutaneous fat, which lies right below the skin.
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After comparing the two measures, the researchers found that the more diverse the participants’ microbiome (a.k.a. the healthier the balance of bacteria in their poo) the less likely they were to be obese and, more importantly, the less likely they were to have that ultra-unhealthy visceral fat.
According to the researchers, it’s still not clear whether these findings mean that improving your gut health will actually reduce your levels of visceral fat. But it can’t hurt to keep the bugs in your belly happy by eating probiotic-packed smoothie bowls and Kombucha.