A New Obesity Path to Heart Disease

It has been known for a while that dental bacterial infections and gum disease are linked to an increase in heart disease.  Researchers have now shown that obesity suppresses the anti-bacterial defense system leading to bacterial infections in the mouth.  This is the first study of this type to show this correlation.

The pivotal cellular gene signal, NF kappaB, which is inappropriately “wound up” by obesity, was found to be the culprit.  The study is the first of its kind.  I explain NF kappaB in Mastering Leptin and it is well worth understanding what this is all about if you would like to lose weight as well as prevent this gene signal from wreaking havoc in your body.

This study also means that overweight individuals have a higher need to pay attention to oral hygiene to maintain health.