A virus from the same group as the one which causes the common cold has been linked to obesity according to a study undertaken at Louisiana State University. The research found that an adenovirus called Ad-36 can transform adult stem cells in fat tissue into fat cells. It has also been discovered that obese people are much more likely to carry the virus than lean people, giving an indication that it could be a contributory cause of obesity.
What must be emphasised is that nobody is claiming that this virus is the solitary cause of obesity and the importance of diet and exercise are still central to whether or not a person is likely to fall into the category of obese. Further work needs to be done on this but it seems that if a link can be fully demonstrated then we would postulate that it might be possible to introduce an anti-viral which tackles this particular virus as part of an overall weight management programme for someone who is a carrier.
It will be essential to understand the underlying factors which will predispose an obese person to develop the Ad-36 virus and further work is being undertaken.