Bacteria and Obesity

The study of gut bacteria (the microbiota) is a fast-moving area of study that has implications for many aspects of health, including a role in obesity and the extraction of energy from food. A caesarean birth, breastfeeding, and antibiotics all influence the microbiota, and all influence the incidence of obesity. A diet of many different foods results in a wide range of species of gut bacteria; in particular it should contain fruit, vegetables, and fibre.