Scientists from Sorbonne University have found that the composition of a child’s gut bacteria can predict whether they will be overweight at the age of five. The results of the study are presented at the Congress of the European Society for the Study of Obesity.
The first few years of life are the time of formation of the gut microbiota, the development of which is associated with inflammatory bowel disease, type 1 diabetes and childhood obesity. To learn more about the impact of the microbiota on the health and weight of young children, the researchers analyzed 143 premature infants and 369 term infants (born after 33 weeks).
Stool samples were collected at 3.5 years of age and weights were assessed when children were five years old. Scientists have found that the prevalence of bacteria is high. Bacteroidetes when the bacteria rate is low Firmicutes It is more common in thin children. Premature birth did not affect the weight of the five-year-olds.
Scientists believe that the reason for this pattern may be due to the bacteria identified regulating the amount of fat absorbed from food. Children with higher rates Firmicutes With Bacteroidetes will consume more calories and be more likely to gain weight.
The results also revealed differences in bacteria colonizing the guts of obese adults. This suggests that changes in the gut microbiota that increase the risk of obesity in adults begin in early childhood. The scientists hope that their findings can be used to develop interventions to prevent and treat obesity.