inoculate people with viruses, of course. But in an analysis of 1000 people, the scientists found that those with AD-36 antibodies-a sign that they have been infected-are significantly more likely to be overweight.
(3) How could a virus make you fat? When fat cells are exposed to AD-36, they begin to multiply. "We are not saying all obesity is caused by a virus. Genes, metabolism, and habits all play a role," the scientists acknowledge. "But at least one other possibility appears to be infection."
(4) As yet, no one knows how widespread AD-36 may be, or how big a role it might play in the current obesity epidemic. If the scientists' suspicions prove correct, the next would be to develop a vaccine.