Gut Bacteria Breakthrough in Fighting Obesity

Blame a gut bacteria for your compulsive eating, obesity

New Delhi, June 27 (IANS) Worried about your food addiction? Research presented at the Federation of European Neuroscience Societies (FENS) Forum 2024 sheds light on a breakthrough discovery: a specific gut bacteria associated with compulsive eating disorder and obesity in both mice and humans.

Introduction

Researchers, including Rafael Maldonado from the Laboratory of Neuropharmacology-NeuroPhar at the Universitat Pompeu Fabra in Barcelona, Spain, have identified a gut bacteria that plays a crucial role in preventing food addiction. This finding, published in the journal Gut, could pave the way for innovative treatments targeting obesity-related behavioral disorders.

Understanding the Study

In their study, the international team focused on gut bacteria present in mice exhibiting compulsive eating behaviors compared to those without. They observed a significant increase in bacteria from the Proteobacteria phylum and a decrease in Actinobacteria among food-addicted mice. Similarly, humans with food addiction showed a parallel decrease in Actinobacteria and another bacteria type, Blautia from the Bacillota phylum.

Key Findings

Gut Microbiota Dynamics: The study highlights how changes in microbiota composition correlate with food addiction behaviors.
Protective Bacteria: Certain microbiota, particularly from Actinobacteria and Blautia groups, may have a protective effect against food addiction.
Potential Treatments: Insights suggest potential treatments involving beneficial bacteria supplementation and dietary adjustments.

Implications for Treatment

“The findings suggest a potential new approach to treating food addiction,” noted Elena Martin-Garcia, emphasizing the therapeutic potential of manipulating gut microbiota to mitigate compulsive eating behaviors.

Conclusion

This research marks a significant step towards understanding the role of gut bacteria in compulsive eating disorders and obesity. By identifying specific microbiota associations, future therapies could target these mechanisms to combat food addiction effectively.

FAQs

Q: Can gut bacteria really influence compulsive eating?A: Yes, the study shows a clear link between gut microbiota composition and food addiction behaviors in both mice and humans.

Q: What are potential treatments based on this research?A: Potential treatments could involve probiotic supplements or dietary changes aimed at promoting beneficial gut bacteria.