New research could ease the conscience of many a failed dieter. Studies suggest that obesity may be linked to the mix of bacteria in the digestive system of overweight people.

It has to do with the ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes. Apparently the Firmicutes are more adept at extracting calories from food that is being digested. The ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes goes up as people gain weight. Scientists are not sure if it is cause or effect but when the gut flora of obese mice were injected into lean mice, the lean mice started to gain weight.

Obviously, there are some who doubt the relationship of gut flora to obesity and studies are not complete but, for the first time, scientists are exploring the possibility that obesity may be more than just a matter of diet.

The Washington Post – Research Links Obesity to Mix of Bacteria in Digestive Tract