Is it Possible to use the Bacteria Mix in the Guts of Babies to Predict

Obesity?

By Kelsey Maguire

A new study shows that the mix of bacteria in a baby's gut may predict whether that infant will become overweight or obese later in life.

Babies with high numbers of bifidobacteria [found in human intestines and feces] and low numbers of Staphylococcus aureus [more commonly known as strep throat] may be protected from excess weight gain, according to a team of researchers from the University of Turku in Finland.

The researchers suggested their findings may help explain why breast-fed babies are at lower risk for later obesity, since bifidobacteria are more commonly in the guts of breast-fed babies.

Other studies repeatedly have found that being breast-fed is associated with a reduced risk of excess weight or obesity in childhood, with the risk lowered from 13 percent to 22 percent.

The Finnish researchers selected 49 participants from the larger study -- 25 of them were overweight or obese at age 7 years, and 24 were normal weight at the same age.

When they looked at the fecal samples, the average bacterial counts of bifidobacteria when taken at 6 months and 12 months were twice as high in those who were a healthy weight as in those who got heavy.

Although these results have not completely concluded that the bacteria mix in baby guts can predict obesity effectively; it is still being researched and it is still a break through on the way to treating obesity.

Someday, the Finnish researchers speculated, tinkering with gut flora may help prevent or treat obesity.

too much body fat can lead to type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, arthritis, sleep apnea, and stroke.

Cannot perform regular daily activities like driving, standing for long periods of time, not being capable of maintaining a job, some cant even walk and have to use a wheel chair.

Limited mobility Some have difficulty breathing

because they cant perform those daily tasks.

are capable of performing everyday tasks like driving, cooking, cleaning, using the potty, working ect.

Are able to play sports and exercise.

Can breath normally and their organs function normally on a daily basis.

Are less susceptible to sickness and disease.

Can make healthy food choices.

Obese People

Healthy People

http://news.yahoo.com/s/hsn/20080308/hl_hsn/bacteriamixingutsofbabiespredictsobesity;_ylt=AmSRAEzuBwv60cHEGea1TcrVJRIF