Part 2 Is Obesity Contagious

by: Pm - August 21st, 2007

In an earlier post with the same name (Is Obesity Contagious? ), I opined about the social factors that contribute to obesity. For those of you who missed it, here are the findings in a nutshell: the more you hang around with fat people, the more likely you are to be fat yourself. So, while obesity seems to spread among closely congregated individuals – much in the same way that colds and the flu spread – the original title was intended to be witty, not factual.

Turns out it obesity might actually be communicable. When researchers exposed adult human stem cells to a common virus: adenovirus-36 (the same family that is responsible for pink eye and colds), they turned into fat cells. Researchers have known for years that a higher percentage of obese people had been infected by the virus than non-obese people, so a link between the two had been suspected. Some earlier animal experiments also yielded the same results. This is the first time that a conclusive cause-and-effect relationship has been witnessed in humans though.

While this study is interesting, it’s far from conclusive. If it turns out that viruses are partly to blame for our ever-expanding waistlines, it’s likely that a vaccine will someday be developed. Unfortunately, a vaccine will only help if you haven’t been exposed the virus though. And, previous research suggests that approximately 30% of obese individuals show antibodies for the virus vs. about 11% of non-obese individuals.

What to do…

Obesity is not an irreversible fat-for-life sentence; it’s a complex disease with social, psychological, physiological, and, perhaps, pathological components. Fortunately, researchers believe that of there is a pathological (i.e., viral infection) component, it’s a small component; much less significant than overeating or under-exercising.

Besides, if you’re eating “clean” (and in the appropriate amounts) and exercising often, there won’t be any excess calories to be stored as body fat.

…till next time.

Happy Heaving,

PM

The information contained in this article is not intended to be used for, or replace, the advice, medical diagnosis, or treatment of your doctor. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other licensed healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, diet, or exercise routine or when you have questions regarding any medical condition. Use of this article indicates that you expressly acknowledge and agree that Optimum Nutrition, Inc., its suppliers, licensees, and sub-licensees are not responsible for the results of your decision resulting from the use of this information including, but not limited to, your choosing to seek or not seek professional medical care based on the information contained in this article.