Does This Phylum Make Me Look Fat? University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) Study

We would all love a simple weight-loss plan. Beyond carbs and fats, some studies have hinted that a key group of gut microbes — from the phylum Firmicutes — might be more common among people who are overweight.

Thinner people, these studies suggest, might have more bacteria from the phylum known as Bacteroidetes. Maybe we just need to reestablish a Bacteroidetes-favoring gut to more easily lose weight, some people have said. A stack of diet books has already jumped on the notion.

Hey, check out all the research scientist jobs. Post your resume today!

MORE ON THIS TOPIC