The ingredient that gives hot sauce its kick helps to reduce “beer belly” fat and could play a role in the future of weight loss plans, according to new research.
The study, by scientists at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, found two surgeries called "vagatomy" and “vagal de-afferentation” — which uses capsaicin, the component responsible for chili peppers' heat — promote weight loss.
Vagotomy involves removing the vagus nerve, which sends information between the gut and the brain. Vagal de-afferentation also involves the vagus nerve, but uses capsaicin to destroy only certain nerve fibers.
The research showed both procedures may significantly reduce the risk of obesity-related diseases with fewer side effects than bariatric surgical options.
Lead researcher Dr. Ali Tavakkoli said his team found vagotomy greatly reduced total body fat, as well as visceral abdominal fat — "beer belly." Vagal de-afferentation also reduced these fats, to a lesser degree, but the researchers said the total reduction from both surgeries is “remarkable.”
"The reduction in visceral fat is particularly important," said Tavakkoli. "High visceral fat volume is a marker of obesity and obesity-related diseases, such as diabetes. Preferentially lost visceral fat after vagal de-afferentation highlights the potential for this procedure."
The study was published in the journal Digestive Diseases and Sciences.