Gut Bacteria Linked to Obesity
The Study
The study, published in Science, investigated the association between obesity and bacteria flora in mice. Researchers at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, genetically engineered mice to lack the TLR5 (toll-like receptor 5) gene. The TLR5 gene plays an important role in controlling gut bacteria. TLR5-deficient mice consume more food and are heavier than regular mice. They also have symptoms of metabolic syndrome including high blood pressure, blood sugar and insulin levels. The researchers transferred intestinal bacteria from TLR5-deficient mice to normal newborn mice.
The Results
The researchers found that the newborn mice with transferred bacteria began eating more. These altered mice became obese with high blood sugar, inflammation and insulin problems. Although the altered mice didn't gain weight when food was restricted, they still experienced the other metabolic changes.
The Main Point
"These results support the emerging view that the gut microbiota contributes to metabolic disease and suggest that malfunction of the innate immune system may promote the development of metabolic syndrome," the study authors conclude.
This study is significant because it suggests that obese people may be eating more due to increased appetite resulting from altered gut bacteria.
Your Thoughts
Are you using alternative therapies to help manage your weight? Please comment below!
Sources
Gavalas, Elaine. The Yoga Minibook for Weight Loss. Simon & Schuster Fireside. elainegavalas.com .
Published by Elaine Gavalas
Elaine's featured on the Today Show, Martha Stewart Living Today and other media. She's an exercise physiologist, nutritionist, yoga therapist and author of Yogi in the Kitchen, Yoga Minibook Series and Secr... View profile
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