A new study has found that giving overweight and obese children a prebiotic fiber that changes their gut bacteria has successfully curbed weight gain and promoted weight loss. Children who took the supplement for 16 weeks showed a decrease in triglycerides in their blood and a decrease in abdominal fatty tissue. Children given a placebo showed weight gain and an increase in triglycerides in their blood. These results suggest giving this supplement to overweight or obese children will decrease their chances of developing diabetes or heart disease. These findings also suggest that a person’s gut bacterial has a significant affect on their health and well-being.