More on Influences on Weight

Let’s move on, shall we, from believing that weight is based solely on what and how much we eat. Learning about other factors influencing weight can help take pressure off yourself for doing something “wrong” or for not doing enough of what’s “right.” “Could bacteria be influencing your weight?” by Gina Kolata (Sarasota Herald Tribune, 9/6/13) tells us that gut bacteria “may help determine if a person is fat or thin.” The study involved mice and humans, in this case twins, one obese and one lean. Dr. Michael Fischbach of the University of California, though not involved in this twin study, called the findings “the clearest evidence to date that gut bacteria can help cause obesity.” Does this mean that if you have fat-generating bacteria, you’re destined to be fat? Interestingly, the answer is no. It seems that “the part of the study that most surprised other experts [ie, those not part of the study], was an experiment indicating that, given the right diet, it might be possible to really change the bacteria in a fat person’s gut so that they promote leanness rather than obesity.” Of course, we have no indication that the knowledge necessary for this kind of protocol is going to help heavy people any time soon. Still, this idea gives hope, especially in terms of future generations. What about my weight? you might ask. I’m getting to that. The reason I often blog about possible genetic and physiological roots of obesity circles back to my...
Source: Normal Eating - Category: Eating Disorders Authors: Source Type: blogs