A university in Hong Kong officially launched a research and transplant center to use "gut microbes" from healthy people's feces to treat intestinal problems. This procedure is called a fecal transplant and a first in Asia. The method is now in a middle of a thorough study if it can also be used to control diabetes and obesity.
Chinese University's department of medicine and therapeutics' Professor Ng Siew-Chien revealed there are previous studies that could prove this claim. These studies showed there are differences and varieties of intestinal bacteria in obese people and those who just have a healthy weight.
These microorganisms vary its effect. It can trigger food cravings for someone while it can also be the cause of proper digestion.
"If we could use [microbiota transplantation] to modify the bacteria of obese patients, there are a few benefits," Ng said, per The South China Morning Post. The professor revealed two reasons why this fecal transplant can be beneficial.
First, he said the advantage of using fecal transplant is it is not a drug. Some patients fear taking medicines because of its potential side effects. So, he noticed that this procedure is much more acceptable for everyone.
Second, Ng explained that there is a big chance that changing the "microbiota long-term" can alter someone's lifestyle and diet. This can result to reduce the risk of having related cardiovascular diseases. Earlier research is also proving that fecal transplant has successfully helped diabetic and obese patients to lose weight.
However, Ng also advised using the fecal transplant as a procedure to slim down. Per The Standard, he said this research is still in its "early stages." Also, healthy people should not consider using this method.
"At this moment, we should really be focusing on treating diseases," he said. Ng continued saying that if a person is healthy, then that just means that his/her gut bacteria is also healthy. If that person just wants losing more weight and slimming down his/her body, then the fecal transplant is not what he/she needs.
Ng admitted that obesity cases around the world dramatically increased. However, that doesn't mean they have to undergo fecal transplant right away. There are conventional treatments that they can do to control obesity. This includes exercise and a healthy diet. Patients with obesity can also try gastric surgeries like vertical sleeve gastrectomy, which will remove a part of their stomach to lessen their food intake.
