Virus causes obesity?

Even though scientists continue to tell us that what makes us gain weight is simple math - we eat more calories than we expend - researchers continue to look for other potential causes of obesity. Now there's new evidence that a simple virus, one that often causes colds or pinkeye, may be implicated in obesity for some people. Check out the article at http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/08/20/AR2007082001350.html

It seems that this virus may change human stem cells into fat cells, and the more fat cells we have, the more we weigh. In one study, 30% of obese people had antibodies to this virus, meaning they've been exposed to it in the past.

So what about the other 70% of overweight people? What makes them overweight?

It's clear that we don't have a good handle on either the causes of obesity (except for eating too much and moving too little) or the treatment of obesity. Prevention seems to work best, but our society isn't really big on preventing diseases - we want treatment, and we want it quick.

This latest study doesn't provide any hard answers. It only muddies the waters, adding yet one more possible reason for obesity to the mix. It may be years before scientists unravel the mystery completely. Until then, our best defense is to prevent obesity by encouraging an active lifestyle and healthy eating habits.

I think I'll go eat some cucumbers.