Fecal microbiota transplants: One man’s trash is another man’s treasure
Looks at obesity and gut microbiota, how they may be linked and how fecal microbiota transplants may be a treatment for obesity.
This video introduces the topic of obesity and gut microbiota and how they may be linked. Fecal microbiota transplants are discussed as a currently researched potential treatment for symptoms associated with obesity.
Fecal microbiota transplants (FMTs) involve transferring the microbiota from one individual to another. Recent studies have demonstrated FMTs as a possible and promising therapeutic technique to help treat obesity. A recent pilot trial studied the effect of FMTs on obese individuals. They gave obese individuals oral capsules containing microbiota from lean donors. No significant weight loss was observed; however, the researchers did see signs of progress. As a result of this treatment, the participants’ microbiota more so resembled that of the lean donor and they had reduced levels of a substance that aids in fat absorption (bile acid).
Although FMTs are unlikely to be a cure, they are an important route to consider in the treatment of obesity, especially in the current day obesity epidemic.
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Demystifying Medicine, Education, Obesity
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