Obesity could be caused by gut bacteria rather than over-eating
Recent research carried out by Professor Zhao Liping of Shanghai Jioa Tong University suggests that obesity may be caused to a type of bacteria rather than eating too much or not exercising enough. It further suggests that the presence of microbes in the stomach could combat the condition.
The research was carried out on mice in the laboratory which had been bred to be resistant to obesity. Despite being fed a rich diet and being kept from exercising, the mice stayed slim. When the same mice were injected with the human bacteria enterobacter for 10 weeks, they very quickly became obese.
Enterobacter was first linked with obesity after being found in high quantities in the gut of a morbidly obese human volunteer.
Professor Zhao Liping, lost 3 stone 1lb two years after adopting a diet of fermented probiotic foods including bitter melon to adjust the balance of bacteria in his gut.
Liping’s work on the role of bacteria in obesity is inspired by traditional Chinese beliefs that the gut is the 'foundation for human health'.
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Last revised: 27 November 2017
Next review: 27 November 2020
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