Is there a possibility that Obesity could be passed on through viral infections?
In the small town of Glasford, Illinois, Randy grew up on a farm in the 1950s. His childhood was marked by the daily chores of tending to cows before breakfast and working physically demanding tasks throughout the day, come rain or shine. However, during his teenage years, Randy gained nearly 10 kilos in just one year, setting the stage for a lifelong struggle with obesity.
Randy's family supported his efforts to control his weight, but despite his best efforts, he found himself battling the issue through portion control, exercise, and avoiding social meals. Despite his hard work, Randy never managed to shake off the extra weight.
Meanwhile, in Mumbai, India, doctor Nikhil Dhurandhar was trying to find a solution to obesity. His research led him to a virus named SMAM-1, which had caused an outbreak in the Indian poultry industry, resulting in chickens becoming obese. Intrigued, Dhurandhar sought a similar virus in a company catalog containing about fifty human adenoviruses and found that Ad-36 shared similar characteristics with SMAM-1 in chickens.
Dhurandhar conducted an experiment using 20 healthy humans, testing for antibodies to the Ad-36 virus. He found that 30% of obese subjects tested positive, compared to only 11% of non-obese individuals—a 3-to-1 ratio. Dhurandhar and his colleagues also observed that individuals infected with Ad-36 were on average 15 kilograms heavier than uninfected individuals.
Randy, too, tested positive for Ad-36 antibodies, suggesting he had been infected with the virus at some point in the past. The laboratory added glucose solution to Randy's urine sample, resulting in a blood test showing his glucose level was close to 500 mg/dL (normal is 100). This further supported the theory that Ad-36 could be linked to obesity.
Dhurandhar and Atkinson's studies showing Ad-36's link to obesity have doubts remaining, as experts have never directly studied Ad-36's ability to jump from chickens to humans. However, the findings have opened up new avenues for research and potential treatments for obesity.
Atkinson had designed a long-term program to treat obesity, informing his patients that obesity is a chronic disease and that they would need 'lifelong' treatment. In the first three months of Atkinson's program, patients attended weekly conferences to learn about the basics of obesity and fat. Later, visits were scheduled every 1-2 weeks, then every 1-2 months.
The hospital program designed for severe sugar patients provided specific amounts of meat, carbohydrates, vegetables, and fat for patients. All refined carbohydrates, including bread, were eliminated. The program aimed to help patients understand their food and rapid fat accumulation issues, providing them with the tools to make informed decisions about their diets.
Randy's story serves as a reminder that obesity is a complex issue, and finding a solution requires a multi-faceted approach. While the link between Ad-36 and obesity is still being researched, it offers hope for those struggling with the disease. As research continues, we may find new ways to combat obesity and help people like Randy lead healthier lives.
