Question

Is it really calories in verses calories out, or could there be an impact on one's weight due to the bacteria found in their gut?

Answer 1

Undoubtedly, the amount of calories we consume and the amount that is burnt affects our body weight but the intestinal microbiota is known to contribute towards our health and weight. Our gut bacteria line our intestine and play an important role in digestion of food. The bacteria break the complex molecules into simple ones that can be easily absorbed in the bloodstream. Therefore it will ultimately affect the type and amount of nutrients being absorbed and also the amount of calories or energy stored in our body. Each individual has a different collection of bacteria in his gut. According to the research, more is the diversity of bacteria, less is the weight. The diversity of gut bacteria can be increased by taking a high fibre diet. When we consume high fibre, our gut breaks it down into short-chain fatty acids including butyrate, an inti inflammatory, which is linked to lean body. Moreover, diversity of bacteria leads to the division of labour and increases metabolism of the body, which inturn helps the body to lose weight easily. Experiments were conducted on mice and studies have found that if the gut bacteria from obese people were put into mice, the mice gained weight. Hence, it has been proved that gut bacteria could affect one's weight.