New Explanations for Obesity and Options for Weight Loss

Most of us know that food and exercise are both important factors in weight, but a recent article in the New York Times reported that not only is weight a genetically link trait, but it may also be affected by viruses and tiny microbes in the intestines. This new information may be good news for the more than 30 percent of Americans who are obese.

The Times detailed a series of international studies that suggest how viruses in both animals and humans may affect how we gain weight. Most recently, two scientists, Richard Atkinson and Nikhil Dhurandhar completed a study on AD-36, a human adenovirus that affects humans like a common cold, stomach bug or pink eye. The researchers found a direct link between the virus and obesity in chickens, rats and marmoset lab animals. They then screened human subjects for AD-36 and antibodies against it, and discovered that out of 502 subjects (360 obese, 142 not obese), 30 percent of the obese subjects had antibodies to the virus, indicating they had been previously infected, but only 11 percent of the lean subjects contained the antibodies. To rule out the possibility that obese people were more prone to infection, they also screened for several other adenoviruses and found the numbers for both obese and thin people to be the same.

Other researchers have shown that microbe-free mice were 60 percent leaner than normal mice because they were unable to metabolize their food and extract and store fat for later use.

While the Times and these researchers don’t want to suggest that a virus or microbe is the sole cause of obesity, they do hope it will help us better understand the complexity of weight. Researchers hope that one day they will find a way to counteract the negative effects of certain microbes and viruses. Until then, we are still able to prevent obesity with a healthy diet and regular exercise.

Vincent Pera, MD, director of the weight management program for The Miriam Hospital, estimates that approximately 600 new patients enter the program each year. Patients hope to lose anywhere from 40 up to 150 pounds and have BMIs in the low 30s to over 50. Most patients spend 6 to 12 months in the program.

Patients who enter the program receive a complete physical and psychological exam to “help determine the total scope of the weight problem,” says Pera. Many patients suffer from a variety of weight related health problems, such as hypertension, heart disease, asthma, diabetes or even cancer, which are aggravated by excessive weight.

Patients attend weekly meetings, including both group and individual sessions. A psychologist evaluates lifestyle and behavior issues and exercise physiologist coaches patients in their exercise regime. A nutritionist also works closely with each patient to determine a healthy diet and evaluates how a patient’s eating style will need to change. Patients meet with a physician as needed.

Patients enter the program at one of three levels, depending on their weight. The top level includes a full liquid diet of five to six Optifast shakes a day. The shakes contain all the required nutrients for a day. Often patients find the first stage easier than lower levels, Pera says, because there are no choices about which foods to eat. The next two levels include food meals and shake meals and eventually a return to eating meals, albeit smaller portions and healthier food.

As patients begin to lose weight, one of the measures of success is if they are able to reduce or stop taking medication because their health has improved.

Read about Gabriel Mendes’ success in the program.

Pera explains that the biggest problem for patients is a busy lifestyle accompanied by a lack of physical activity. The weight management program helps them prioritize differently and to plan ahead for difficult situations. The program continues to evolve—recently, online support was added to supplement weekly meetings.

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