New study: fecal transplant shows promising results in obese teens

Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), a method in which healthy gut flora is transferred from a donor to a recipient, is commonly used for persistent infections with Clostridioides difficile. However, a new study from New Zealand shows that this approach has other potential benefits - even in overweight teenagers.

What does the research show?

• Patients: 87 adolescents (14-18 years) with a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 in Auckland, New Zealand;
• Procedure: single administration of FMT via capsules containing microbiota from healthy and lean (lean) donors, or placebo;
• Tracking: initial results after 6 weeks, followed by observation 4 years later.

Results at 6 weeks and 26-week follow-up:

No change in BMI
There was no significant reduction in body mass index in the FMT group compared to placebo.

Reduced abdominal obesity
The android-to-gynoid fat ratio was reported to be lower in the FMT group at 6, 12, and 26 weeks, and the effect was maintained up to half a year.

Improvement in patients with metabolic syndrome
In participants who initially had metabolic syndrome, FMT resulted in significantly more frequent (and sustained) resolution of the condition compared with placebo by the end of the 26 weeks.

Long-term results after 4 years:

• In about 63% of the participants (55 of 87), parameters were measured after 4 years.
• No significant change in BMIas before.
• Significant improvement in body composition and metabolic health:
  • On average about 10 cm smaller waist
  • About 5% less body fat
  • Significantly reduced level of inflammation (CRP - above 68%)
  • Increased "good" HDL-cholesterol level.
• Change in the intestinal microbiota:
  The presence of donor bacteria persisted for up to 4 years, indicating the continued change of the microbial ecosystem.

What does it all mean?

• FMT does not lead to weight loss, but can reduce dangerous abdominal fat and improve metabolic profile, especially when metabolic syndrome is present.
• The change in intestinal flora is sustainable - potentially opening the door to future microbiome therapies.
• While the initial result on weight may be marginal, the long-term health benefits may be real and important, especially in reducing the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease

Conclusion

The study shows that even a single fecal transplant in overweight teens can reduce abdominal obesity, improve body composition and metabolic health, and effect lasting change in the gut microbiota. At Unimed Medical Center, the procedure is administered under the supervision of Dr. Hinow - not by mouth, as in some studies, but by direct transplantation into the colon. This method is low-invasive, gentle and provides a more direct and effective way to restore balance in the intestinal flora.

You can read more about the procedure at: https://unimed.bg/holistichna-mediczina/

Sources:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33346848;
https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/news/2025/08/28/the-good-shit-helping-obese-teens-study.html;
https://newatlas.com/health-wellbeing/fecal-microbiota-transplant-obese-adolescents/