A new study found that a type of fiber called beta-glucan, found in oats and barley, can help with weight loss and control blood sugar in mice. Other fiber supplements tested did not have the same effect. Our bodies need fiber to stay healthy, but most people in the US don't eat enough. That's why fiber supplements are becoming more popular. But not all fibers are the same - some are better at helping with weight loss than others. One type of fiber, beta-glucan, was found to increase a certain bacterium in the mouse intestine, which has been linked to weight loss in other studies. Mice fed beta-glucan lost weight and had less body fat than mice fed other types of fiber. The fiber also increased butyrate in the mice's guts, which helps with insulin release and regulates appetite and body weight. More research is needed to see if these results can be applied to humans, but it suggests that certain types of fiber may be better for weight loss and controlling insulin levels. The study was published in the Journal of Nutrition. Scientists are excited about these findings and hope to learn more about how different fibers can help us stay healthy.