Gut Microorganisms and Obesity
Because
obesity
is such an important problem throughout the world,
researchers are investigating many aspects of the
disease. One interesting aspect of obesity is the
role gut microorganisms play in the ailment. And
understanding how these gut inhabitants
participate may enable us to target the organisms
in a way to better manage a person’s weight.
Studies have shown that ‘[i]ntestinal microbiota may play a pivotal role in converting nutrients into energy. Variations in the composition of microbiota are found in obese humans and mice. Increased energy yield from diet in obese mice and humans could be a contributing factor to obesity…’
Although the process is not fully understood, a recent study indicates that diet and inflammation can influence the makeup of gut microciota. The study was done at Columbia University.
According to the study, ‘Gut microbiota have been implicated in the regulation of body weight.’ And ‘[t]he relative abundance of specific members of the microbiota was correlated with circulating leptin concentrations and gene expression levels of inflammation markers in subcutaneous white adipose tissue in all mice. Together, these results suggest that both host adiposity and diet composition impact microbiota composition, possibly through leptin-mediated regulation of mucus production and/or inflammatory processes that alter the gut habitat.’
Finally, a French study has shown, in mice, that by taking microbiota from healthy mice and implanting the microbiota into other mice, the investigators were able to 'prevent the development or liver inflammation and insulin resistance.’ Therefore, gut microbiota may one day be used as a therapy in the treatment of liver disease and diabetes.
We think these studies could lead to gut microbiota targeting-methods that might help control weight. Indeed, if we can determine, for example, what diets modify the composition of gut microbiota, and if we can determine what gut microbiota is most conducive to a healthy weight, weight loss service providers can then endorse these diets. Indeed, diet, as part of weight loss therapy to target gut microbiota, may be treatments that medical weight loss or surgical providers can offer.
Studies have shown that ‘[i]ntestinal microbiota may play a pivotal role in converting nutrients into energy. Variations in the composition of microbiota are found in obese humans and mice. Increased energy yield from diet in obese mice and humans could be a contributing factor to obesity…’
Although the process is not fully understood, a recent study indicates that diet and inflammation can influence the makeup of gut microciota. The study was done at Columbia University.
According to the study, ‘Gut microbiota have been implicated in the regulation of body weight.’ And ‘[t]he relative abundance of specific members of the microbiota was correlated with circulating leptin concentrations and gene expression levels of inflammation markers in subcutaneous white adipose tissue in all mice. Together, these results suggest that both host adiposity and diet composition impact microbiota composition, possibly through leptin-mediated regulation of mucus production and/or inflammatory processes that alter the gut habitat.’
Finally, a French study has shown, in mice, that by taking microbiota from healthy mice and implanting the microbiota into other mice, the investigators were able to 'prevent the development or liver inflammation and insulin resistance.’ Therefore, gut microbiota may one day be used as a therapy in the treatment of liver disease and diabetes.
We think these studies could lead to gut microbiota targeting-methods that might help control weight. Indeed, if we can determine, for example, what diets modify the composition of gut microbiota, and if we can determine what gut microbiota is most conducive to a healthy weight, weight loss service providers can then endorse these diets. Indeed, diet, as part of weight loss therapy to target gut microbiota, may be treatments that medical weight loss or surgical providers can offer.
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posted by Information Uncover at
6:44 PM
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