Gut bacteria may explain some cases of obesity

Scientists say that the convention wisdom of diet, exercise, and genes don't explain every case of obesity. In fact, some obese people eat fewer calories than their slim peers, and even exercise and genes don't paint a clear picture of the cause. Now researchers say gut bacteria may play a part. A mouse study found that animals fed a typical Western-style diet grew more Firmicutes gut bacteria, while those fed a healthier diet developed more Bacteroidetes. Researchers aren't sure if the gut bacteria cause obesity, but they say the study may help them determine who is more prone to obesity later in life.