Looking for another excuse for American obesity? How about the common cold?
Louisiana State University researchers removed stem cells from liposuctioned human tissue, and then exposed it to adenovirus-36, or Ad-36, which is from a family of viruses that cause respiratory and eye infections. Once exposed to Ad-36, more than half of the stem cells turned into storage-capable fat cells.
Although this wouldn’t explain all weight gain, it could turn out to be a legitimate cause in some cases. Previous studies have shown that one-third of obese people are infected with Ad-36, whereas only one in ten people with a healthy weight are infected.
If scientists can confirm that a virus can, indeed, cause weight gain, that means a preventative vaccine could be created. However, it wouldn’t help the already-overweight, nor would it cancel out the simple fact that eating more calories than one burns will lead to weight gain, infection or not.
Find a Doctor
Find a NewBeauty "Top Beauty Doctor" Near you