The Fat Virus
As if it weren’t hard enough to stay in shape, new research links three adenoviruses to obesity: A-5 to obesity in animals; A-36 to both human and animal obesity; and A-37 to obesity in chickens. The bugs may actually increase the level of fat in fat cells, contributing to the problem. And there’s worse news: Lead researcher Leah D. Whigham says there are more than 50 adenoviruses that still need to be studied. On the bright side, these findings mean there could someday be a vaccine that helps prevent obesity. However, researchers warn that the virus is just one factor leading to the problem—inactivity and overeating really let the blubber take root. On the other hand, exercise and a healthy diet can prevent obesity, even in people who carry the bug.
