Antibiotics can make us well, but are they also making us fat? Farmers have long used antibiotics to make cows, pigs, and chickens gain weight faster. In a recent article in the journal Nature, scientists found that being exposed to antibi otics early in life may also make children grow fat. The drugs can alter the compo sition of the bacterial population in the gut dur ing a crucial developmental stage that may have a long-lasting impact. The bac teria play a important role in the diges tion and absorption of nutrients in our diet. Antibiotics can damage the delicate balance of good and bad bacteria in the gut. Besides prescriptions, by consuming meat, dairy, and eggs, we are getting a steady stream of anti biotics.
Can antibiotics be making us fat?
Dr. Daniel Thomas, DO, MS
Dr. Thomas is a highly regarded and sought-after physician whose medical expertise has been shaped by extensive education and refined over 39 years of clinical practice. His work centers on unlocking the science of longevity enhancement and helping people with cancer find a clearer path toward resolution. His strength lies in his scientific curiosity, creative and analytical thinking, and practical application of cutting-edge research. Despite the demands of a busy medical practice, Dr. Thomas devotes 20–30 hours a week outside the office to reviewing the latest scientific literature and consulting with leading scientists to identify promising treatments. He shares his evidence-based insights at ThomasHealthBlog.com and in his forthcoming book, “Healthier After 50: A Smarter Path to Aging Well,” which will distill decades of clinical wisdom into a practical guide for living healthier, happier, and longer. Dr. Thomas can be reached at info@healthyandstrong.com.