Study: AI-assisted personalized diet program supports weight loss and gut microbiome health

Study details​

The six-month study involved 103 adults (75.7% female, with an average age of 53.55) who all had a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more, or a BMI between 25 and 30 with a cardiometabolic comorbidity, or diagnosed with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes, non-alcoholic fatty live disease (NAFLD) or pancreatitis. Thirty five percent were on prescribed antidepressants or anxiolytics, and 14.6% were using recreational drugs at baseline. Those with antibiotic consumption at enrollment were excluded.

All participants were enrolled in Digbi Control, a personalized weight-loss program that employs the Digbi Health app. All completed a health questionnaire and were sent a digital weighing scale, buccal swab for genetic profiling and stool sampling kits to assess the microbiome.

The study had three time points—baseline/enrollment (T0), early phase (T1) and follow-up phase (T2). Samples were obtained at T1 and T2.

“Genetic profiling helps assess predisposition to diseases like obesity, chronic gastrointestinal disorders, cardiometabolic conditions, behavioral and mental health traits, as well as food allergies and intolerances,” the researchers wrote. “Digbi Health utilizes gut microbiome data to identify taxonomic and functional markers of health, such as anti-inflammatory compounds, beneficial keystone species, metabolic pathways and food tolerances. This enables an evaluation of how different foods may impact the gut microbial community, supporting personalized food recommendations for weight loss and improved overall health.”