Weight Gain and Obesity May Be Partly Caused by Certain

Question

Weight gain and obesity may be partly caused by certain gut microbial communities that
A) absorb more vitamins and essential amino acids.
B) produce more volatile fatty acids by fermentation.
C) stimulate the gut endothelium to absorb more sugars.
D) produce more hydrogen gas by fermentation.

Accepted Answer

Gut microbial communities that produce more volatile fatty acids by fermentation can contribute to weight gain and obesity by increasing the absorption of energy from food. These fatty acids, such as acetate, propionate, and butyrate, can be used by the body as a source of fuel and can also stimulate the production of insulin, which can lead to increased fat storage. Studies have shown that obese individuals tend to have a different gut microbial composition with a higher abundance of species that produce these volatile fatty acids.