The Gut Science Behind Modern Weight Loss
Professor Arne Astrup: I am excited to be part of Azento Health, as their approach for supporting GLP-1 patients is unique. Their microbiome-focused solutions represent a significant contribution to patient health and well-being.
Since I together with Professor Jens Holst in 1996 discovered GLP-1 as being a satiety hormone in humans, I have been working with GLP-1s. I look forward to contributing to Azento Health’s mission.
- Addressing gut microbiome imbalances that are common in obesity and may worsen with rapid weight loss.
- Reducing gastrointestinal side effects and improving overall gut health to enhance treatment success.
- Enabling better metabolic outcomes, weight maintenance, and long-term health through nutritional and microbiome-focused solutions.
SEE SHORT BIO HERE
Professor Arne Astrup, MD, DMSc., was Senior Vice President and part of the top management at the Novo Nordisk Foundation in Denmark, leading the Dept of Obesity and Nutritional Sciences from 2020. Since August 2025, he has been an independent board member and consultant in clinical nutrition and cardiometabolic diseases. He also serves as a board member at the Centre for Healthy Childhood, appointed by the Novo Nordisk Foundation.
Arne Astrup has been a full professor since 1990 and Head of the Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen, from 2012-20. Under Arne Astrup’s leadership the Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports ranked number one in the internationally recognized Shanghai Ranking of Global Ranking of Sport Science Schools and Departments.
Dr Astrup is past President of World Obesity Federation and founding editor-in-chief of Obesity Reviews. He is Associate Editor of American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
Arne Astrup’s scientific interests have been appetite regulation, treatment of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. In 1996 Arne Astrup discovered, together with Professor Jens Holst, that GLP-1 is a satiety hormone in humans. Astrup played a major role in the prohibition in 2004 of industrially produced trans fats in foods in Denmark.
Arne Astrup publishes frequently in journals such as BMJ, Lancet, Nature and New England Journal of Medicine, and has published more than 1500 peer-reviewed papers and more than 1000 other academic publications. In 2018 Clarivate’s (Web of Science) named him among the most cited researchers in the world. Current H-index is 113; Google Scholar H-index is 157 with 126.000 citations. He has supervised 48 PhD students to date.
Astrup was created Knight of the Order of Dannebrog in 1999 by Her Majesty Queen Margrethe II of Denmark, and Knight of the First Order of Dannebrog in November 2012. He was the recipient of the International Association for the Study of Obesity 2014 Willendorf Award, and the George Bray Outstanding Scientific Achievements Award in Obesity Research from The American Society for Nutrition 2024.
Shaping the future of obesity care
A major problem is being solved – and a new support need is emerging.
Modern Obesity Treatments work partly by reducing appetite and calorie intake. Total calorie intake may fall by 16–39%, which is central to weight loss – but it also changes the gut environment. Less food intake, altered nutrient patterns, delayed gastric emptying and common digestive side effects create new needs around gut health, digestive comfort, nutritional resilience and long-term wellbeing.
That is why Azento Health is developing azh-biotics® – a microbiome-based companion platform designed to support people before, during and after their weight-loss journey.
Our ambition is to help shape the next generation of modern obesity care: science-led, gut-health focused, and built around the real needs of patients, consumers and healthcare professionals.
We are open to collaborations with companies, clinics, pharmacies, researchers and healthcare organisations who share this ambition. Whether the opportunity is distribution, product development, research collaboration, clinical projects or companion solutions for Modern Obesity Treatments, we would be happy to connect.
Modern obesity care is evolving. Let’s build the support category together. For health and happiness.
azh-biotics® – Microbiome Support for the Modern GLP-1 Journey
- Dominates the formulation due to its proven efficacy in relieving constipation and supporting gut barrier function (Ouwehand et al., 2009).
- Particularly effective in addressing key GLP-1 therapy side effects, including both diarrhea and constipation (Eskesen et al., 2015).
- Contributes to metabolic health by potentially lowering hypercholesterolemia and improving glucose metabolism (Bernini et al., 2016).
- Supports overall immune function, potentially reducing systemic inflammation (Schiffrin et al., 2007)
• Produces vitamin B, including vitamin B12, contributing to overall gut health and potentially improving energy metabolism (Santos et al., 2008).
• May enhance the gut-brain axis, potentially influencing mood and stress responses (Mayer et al., 2014)
• Aids in the fermentation and digestion of compounds such as lactose, potentially improving nutrient absorption (Jiang et al., 1996)
• May contribute to improved insulin sensitivity and glucose homeostasis (Andreasen et al., 2010)
• Contributes to overall gut health by modulating gut motility and aiding in the digestion of lactose (Hojsak et al., 2010)
• May play a role in reducing anxiety and improving mood, potentially enhancing overall well-being (Bravo et al., 2011)
Supporting the next phase of obesity care – driven by science and unmet needs
These treatments work partly by reducing appetite and calorie intake. Total calorie intake may fall by 16–39%, which supports weight loss – but also changes the gut environment. Less food intake, altered nutrient patterns, delayed gastric emptying and common gastrointestinal side effects create new needs around digestive comfort, gut health, nutritional resilience and long-term wellbeing.
The patient voice is clear. IQVIA social intelligence data show that 49% of negative experiences with modern anti-obesity medications are linked to side effects – ahead of cost concerns and access issues. This points to a major unmet need for practical companion support that helps patients feel better, maintain routines and stay engaged over time.
The science is also moving in this direction. A 2026 review, “GLP-1 agonists and the gut microbiome: A bidirectional relationship,” describes the gut microbiome as an emerging frontier in GLP-1 and metabolic research, highlighting the importance of the host–microbe–drug axis in future metabolic care.
At Azento Health, we are building azh-biotics® – a microbiome-based companion platform designed to support people before, during and after Modern Obesity Treatments. azh-biotics® is a clinically validated, medical-grade biotherapeutic platform engineered to address the unique pathophysiological challenges of the modern weight management microbiome. Utilizing a precision-targeted consortium of four patent-designated probiotic strains, azh-biotics® is architected to optimize metabolic outcomes and enhance patient quality-of-life during weight loss.
Supported by clinical trials, real-world evidence (RWE) studies, in vitro and in vivo research, azh-biotics® represents a scientifically backed technology designed for premium support for people on a weight loss journey. Each strain is selected with scientific rationale and stored in recognised culture collections, including the DSMZ culture collection, supporting transparency, traceability and scientific rigor.
Our platform focuses on gut health, digestive comfort, microbiome resilience, nutrition routines and long-term Health & Happiness. We are developing an ambitious pipeline of 10+ products and concepts across the full patient journey – both under our own brand and in collaboration with partners.
The next phase of obesity care needs more than powerful medicines. It needs support that fits the real patient journey.
Professor Stephen Gough, MD FRCP (UK)
“Having worked across clinical care, academia and global drug development in diabetes and obesity, I have seen how transformative therapies reach their full potential when patients are supported throughout the treatment journey. Azento Health’s focus on gut health, tolerability, nutrition and long-term metabolic resilience addresses an important need in modern obesity care. The azh-biotics scientific platform brings an evidence-driven microbiome approach to supporting people on modern Anti-Obesity-Medications along their treatment journeys.”
- Professor Stephen Gough, MD FRCP (UK), is Senior Advisor to the World Diabetes Foundation and a former Senior Vice President and Global Chief Medical Officer at Novo Nordisk. He joined Novo Nordisk in 2015 in the Chief Medical Office to provide advice and clinical guidance on the development of new molecules and drugs, from early development through Phase III and beyond. In 2018, he became Senior Vice President and Global Chief Medical Officer, and in 2021 he also became responsible for Global Medical Affairs.
- Before joining Novo Nordisk, Professor Gough was Head of the Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Professor of Diabetes at the University of Oxford and Consultant Physician at Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust. His research interests include glucose homeostasis, incretin biology and clinical trials of GLP-1-based therapies.
- He has provided senior medical opinion across diabetes, obesity and biopharma, making his advisory role highly relevant to Azento Health’s focus on obesity care, GLP-1 support, gut health and metabolic disease.
The balanced distribution of azh-biotics® ensures a multi-faceted approach to gut health. Beyond the individual characteristics of each strain and their well-documented beneficial effects, the combination of all four strains in azh-biotics® works synergistically to:
Modulate gut motility,
potentially supporting the delayed gastric emptying caused by GLP-1 agonists (Quigley, 2017).
Activate fermentation processes
and improve digestion, particularly of compounds like lactose, enhancing overall nutrient absorption (Azcarate-Peril et al., 2016).
Regulate stool formation,
addressing both diarrhea and constipation issues, which can significantly improve quality of life (Ohkusa et al., 2019).
Combat gut dysbiosis
through the production of natural antimicrobial compounds, potentially reducing the risk of opportunistic infections (Oleskin and Shenderov, 2019).
Provide anti-inflammatory effects
throughout the gut, which may have systemic benefits for overall health (Plaza-Diaz et al., 2014).
Modulate gut motility,
potentially influencing mood, stress responses, and cognitive function (Thaiss et al., 2016).
GLP-1 impact on Gut MicrobiomeRapid weight loss and changes in dietary patterns associated with weight loss therapy can have profound effects on the gut microbiome, which in turn can influence the efficacy of the treatment and overall health outcomes (Seganfredo et al., 2017).
Studies have shown that the gut microbiome composition changes significantly during GLP-1 therapy, with an increase in beneficial bacteria like Akkermansia muciniphila (Zhang et al., 2018). However, rapid weight loss can also lead to reduced microbial diversity in the gut, potentially impacting metabolic health (Moschen et al., 2012).
Stabilize the Gut MicrobiomeTo address these challenges, supporting gut health during GLP-1 therapy is crucial. Microbiome supplementation can help stabilize the gut microbiome during the dynamic period of weight loss, potentially enhancing the metabolic benefits of GLP-1 therapy (Koutnikova et al., 2019).
A balanced microbiome supports optimal nutrient absorption, which is particularly important during periods of reduced caloric intake (Roager and Dragsted, 2019). Additionally, a healthy gut microbiome can help mitigate the low-grade inflammation often associated with obesity, potentially enhancing the overall health benefits of weight loss (Cani et al., 2007).
Gut Microbiome and the body’s response to GLP-1Some studies suggest that a healthy gut microbiome may enhance the body’s response to GLP-1, potentially improving treatment outcomes (Grasset et al., 2017).
Moreover, supporting gut health can help manage GLP-1-related gastrointestinal side effects, improving treatment adherence and quality of life (McFarland and Goh, 2019). By addressing these aspects of gut health, patients undergoing GLP-1 therapy may experience enhanced weight loss outcomes, improved metabolic parameters, better management of side effects, and potential long-term health benefits beyond weight loss (Dao et al., 2016).
Microbiome solutionsWhile GLP-1 receptor agonists provide a powerful tool for weight management, supporting gut health through targeted supplementation can optimize treatment outcomes and overall well-being.
To enhance tolerability, improve quality of life, and promote better long-term outcomes, adjunctive treatments such as biotics have gained attention. These therapies support gut health, alleviate GI symptoms, and play a significant role in long-term metabolic health. While weight loss can bring many health benefits, it’s important to approach it in a healthy and sustainable way to minimize side effects. It is also extremely important to maintain the achieved effects of therapy in the long term.
Related articles
GLP 1 medications like Wegovy® and Zepbound® have become powerful tools in the fight against obesity. They help reduce hunger, regulate blood sugar, and promote real weight loss. [1] What many people do not realise until later is that GLP-1
Starting a GLP-1 medication like Ozempic, Wegovy, or Mounjaro is a big and exciting step towards better health. These treatments help regulate appetite and promote meaningful weight loss. But they work best when paired with the right nutrition, movement, and
By Jesper N. Gantzel, Gut Health Advisor, investor, and chairman at Azento Health AG “I’m eating healthy, exercising, but the scale won’t budge.” If this sounds familiar, you are not alone. Many women and men in their 40s, 50s,