Ferre' Dollar via CNN(CNN) - The bacteria got its name -- Akkermansia muciniphila -- just 15 years ago.
But the species, which breaks down gel-like proteins in the intestines, may soon offer hope to those with obesity-related disorders.
The small sample size may explain why researchers couldn't definitively report that the bacteria, and not other factors, led to the weight loss.
The pancreas then produces more insulin to compensate for the resistance, which can lead to prediabetes, or higher than normal blood sugar levels.
In the new study, the bacteria "prevented the deterioration of the health status of the subjects by targeting several cardiovascular risk factors," said Cani.