Translation: Hayder Madanat
Obesity affects hundreds of millions of people around the world and is influenced by diet, genetics, and lifestyle. Most research has focused on its association with gut bacteria, but scientists from New York University in Abu Dhabi have shown in their study that people suffering from obesity have distinctive bacteria in their mouth compared to individuals with healthy weight, challenging long-held assumptions about the nature of the biomarkers associated with obesity. The study examined samples from 628 adults and analyzed the genes within the oral bacteria to identify the types and functions of the bacteria. According to a report published in Cell Reports, the bacteria in those with obesity are more active in fermenting sugars and producing lactic acid, and have a reduced ability to produce some essential nutrients. It was also found that levels of compounds that affect appetite and energy balance were elevated, while levels of some B vitamins were lower. The scientists say, the next step will be to determine whether these results precede metabolic diseases or are merely a reflection of them, and saliva may potentially become a practical, non-invasive tool for early detection or targeted intervention.
