Obesity’s weight gain message starts in gut

Microbe-made molecule tells brain to boost insulin, hunger hormone

rat eating

GUT REACTION Research on rats and mice suggests that gut bacteria start the cycle of obesity. The bacteria make a molecule called acetate that sends signals through the vagus nerve to stimulate hunger and fat storage. 

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Gut microbes cause obesity by sending messages via the vagus nerve to pack on pounds, new research in rodents suggests.