An obesity-associated gut microbiome with increased capacity for energy harvest

This paper attempts to link obesity with the normal flora of the colon. It raises some interesting points and ideas for future directions. What if we could treat obesity with antibiotics? That would be a major breakthrough. Another paper from the same group makes this link in humans as well. The question of cause vs. consequence is still up for debate. Presented for UCSF BMS Journal Club 1-18-06.