Final answer:
The bacteria in the guts of obese individuals are proposed to increase weight gain by releasing more calories from digested food compared to gut bacteria in lean individuals.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct answer to the question is option c:
Which proposes that the bacteria in obese individuals may release more calories from digested food than their counterparts in leaner individuals. This process is thought to contribute to weight gain in obese individuals.
Our digestive tracts are home to a vast array of commensal bacteria that help digest food, produce vitamins, and protect against pathogens. The Human Microbiome Project has helped us understand the beneficial role of these bacteria. However, research indicates that certain bacteria predominant in the guts of obese individuals may be more efficient at extracting calories from the food they digest. This efficiency means that individuals with these types of bacteria might absorb more calories from the same amount of food compared to someone with a different gut microbiota composition, potentially leading to weight gain. This ability of gut bacteria to influence calorie extraction and potentially affect weight is an important area of research, helping to elucidate the complex interactions between diet, gut flora, and obesity.
It's also important to mention that while genetics, lifestyle choices, and socioeconomic factors are crucial in determining a person's body weight, the specific composition of gut bacteria can also be a contributing factor to obesity. Understanding gut microbiota's role offers insights into the intricacies of weight management and opens doors to potential therapeutic interventions.