Microbially Produced Acetate: A Missing Link in Understanding Obesity?

Numerous studies have connected the gut microbiome with diet-induced obesity; however, mechanistic explanations for the host-microbial interactions are needed. Perry et al. (2016) present studies suggesting that microbially produced acetate (MPA) increases post-prandial insulin release via a sequential and integrated gut, brain, and pancreatic signaling network promoting energy retention.