Study reveals urban food habits are altering gut microbiome in India, linking it to rising diabetes and obesity rates
A three-year study, published in Gut Microbes, indicates that urban food habits are rewriting the gut microbiome in India, potentially explaining the rising rates of diabetes, obesity, and hypertension among urbanising Indians. The study, led by Niraj Rai and Maanasa Raghavan, profiled gut bacteria from 575 adults across 10 communities in India and Sri Lanka. It found that urban individuals consistently have more Megamonas, a bacterium linked to obesity and high blood glucose, while Holdemanella, associated with fibre intake, is lost with urbanisation. India, with 89.8 million adults living with diabetes as of 2024, faces a significant health challenge, with 43% of cases undiagnosed. The research highlights food processing as a key driver of these microbiome changes.
Key Points
- A study in Gut Microbes suggests urban food habits are altering the gut microbiome in India, contributing to rising diabetes, obesity, and hypertension.
- The research found higher levels of Megamonas, linked to obesity and high blood glucose, in urban populations.
- Holdemanella, associated with fibre intake, was found to be lost with urbanisation, except in Kerala where traditional diets are maintained.
- India has 89.8 million adults with diabetes as of 2024, with 43% of cases currently undiagnosed.
Exam Facts
- Study published in the journal Gut Microbes.
- Led by Niraj Rai (Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences) and Maanasa Raghavan (University of Chicago).
- India has 89.8 million adults with diabetes as of 2024 (International Diabetes Federation data).
- Megamonas linked to obesity, hypertension, raised blood glucose.
- Holdemanella associated with fibre intake and glucose tolerance.
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