Virus Linked to Obesity

How many times have heard an overweight person say, "I eat just like everyone else, and I'm still fat." If you're like many, you likely rolled your eyes and thought, "Yeah, right." After all, barring such medical conditions as thyroid problems and diabetes, these assertations don't usually hold alot of (well) weight. Anyone who knows anything about biological functions knows that obesity is caused by overeating, right?

Not anymore.

Researchers have recently discovered that a common virus may be a legitimate explanation for some of America's every-growing obesity epidemic. This "obesity virus," also known as adenovirus-36, is commonly linked to common colds and ailments such as pink eye, and has been linked to the production and storage of fat cells in those exposed. So, it's likely that many people may have more on their plates than just too much food.

Enter the obesity virus...

According to the study, individuals exposed to adenovirus tended to have a higher percentage of body fat than those who had not been exposed. Furthermore, researchers also discovered a gene within the obesity virus that causes exposed animals to become obese. And while this pesky little bug may not be able to explain away all of our expanding waistlines, it has definitely contributed to the argument that many factors (besides just caloric intake and expenditure) affect our tendency to lose or gain weight.

Does this mean that we should hang up our gym shoes and surrender to the obesity virus?

Not just yet.

Experts advise us to remember that caloric intake and excercise can still overcome most underlying conditions. While obesity may be catching, as with all illnesses, it can still be prevented with a healthy lifestyle--and a lot of perserverence. And, for those who still can't shed those extra pounds, a little extra help may be on the way. Researchers say that an anti-obesity vaccine could hit the market in five to ten years.

Hopefully then we can take that pesky obesity virus off of our buffet of excuses...