A recent study published in Cell Host & Microbe highlights the bacterium Megamonas as a potential contributor to obesity, based on research conducted by Ruijin Hospital, BGI Research, and the BGI Genomics Institute of Intelligent Medical Research.

The study involved metagenomic sequencing of fecal samples from 1,005 participants, which included 631 obese individuals and 374 normal-weight individuals.

Whole-genome sequencing revealed that gut microbial imbalance plays a more significant role in obesity among those with low genetic risk.

Results indicated a significant increase in Megamonas in the intestines of obese individuals, with higher body mass index (BMI) and obesity rates associated with a Megamonas-dominated enterotype.

The research concluded that Megamonas interacts with host genetic risk factors, particularly increasing the likelihood of obesity in individuals with low genetic risk.

Dr. Yang Fangming, a co-first author of the study, noted that Megamonas degrades myo-inositol, which enhances lipid absorption and contributes to obesity.

The degradation of myo-inositol by Megamonas facilitates intestinal fat absorption, further linking this bacterium to obesity.

BGI Genomics, a leading provider of precision medicine solutions based in Shenzhen, China, played a significant role in this research and operates in over 100 countries.