Can you really 'catch' obesity?

Conclusion The human microbiome is a fascinating field of research, and we are just beginning to learn how this colony of bacteria in our guts affects our health. This research widens our knowledge of these bacteria, and suggests ways they may survive and spread from person to person. It also shows that many bacterial spores are resistant to ethanol, the main ingredient of hygienic hand gels. This reinforces the importance of using soap to wash your hands and not to rely on hand gels, especially in hospitals. Because of the headlines in some newspapers, it's important to be clear about what the research hasn't found. It hasn't found bacteria in the gut that are responsible for causing obesity, or a link between obesity and C diff. It also hasn't found evidence that obesity spreads from person to person by bacterial transfer. The study has simply found that about 30% of bacteria in our guts are likely to be capable of spreading from person to person. We don't know what effect that has, because we don't yet understand what role these bacteria play in the gut. If you are worried about your weight, take a look at our weight loss guide; you can find out what weight is healthy for your height, and get advice on how to lose weight sensibly if you need to.  Links To The Headlines Obesity could be contagious like superbug C. diff, suggest scientists. Daily Telegraph, May 5 2016. Is obesity CONTAGIOUS? Spores of bacteria from guts of fat people 'could spread to healthy individuals'....
Source: NHS News Feed - Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Obesity Food/diet Source Type: news