There is a theory that a virus exists that can make us fat, according to a study published in the International Journal of Obesity.

Right now the research is still in the early stages, but the director of the Obetech Obesity Research Centre, Richard Atkinson M.D believes that the culprit may be Human adenovirus-36 (Ad-36).

According to Atkinson, the virus works by turning adult stem cells into fat cells in those people who carry it.

Studies have found that those who tested positive for the virus had an average BMI significantly higher than those who were clear - 9 points higher, in fact. That means that an individual with a healthy BMI of 24 would increase to a BMI of 33 if they had Ad-36 - taking them into the category of Obese.
In addition, obese people were around 3 times more likely to have contracted the virus then those who were at their correct weight.

But it's not all gloomy news. Ad-36 is quite rare and most healthy people who have an acceptable BMI (18 - 25) are unlikely to catch it. Says Atkinson, "Most people will have immunity to the virus as it's similar to the ones that cause colds - and a healthy immune system will have developed the appropriate antibodies to deal with it. Less than 20% of the population are likely to be affected, and medications are being developed to counteract the effects of the virus."

So there you have it. The best way to stay out of the 20% who may be vulnerable to the Fat Virus is to eat a healthy, balanced diet and take regular exercise. The reasons we get fat still remain the same as they always were; namely poor eating habits, too many takeouts, not enough fruit and veg and a largely sedentary lifestyle.

You have been warned!

 

Carol J Bartram
 

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Is There a Virus Making Us Fat