Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 7, 2026

Multidisciplinary Approach to Obesity Management: A Case Report
Published on: May 30, 2025
Small intestinal clustered contractions and bacterial overgrowth: a frequent finding in obese patients
Ana María Madrid1, Jaime Poniachik, Rodrigo Quera
1Section of Gastroenterology, University Hospital of University of Chile, University of Chile, Santos Dumont 999, Santiago, Chile. amadrid@redclinicauchile.cl
Background:
Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) has been observed in several disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. Studies have shown abnormalities of motor function in obese patients, and there is indirect evidence suggesting that SIBO is present in them.
Aims:
To study small intestinal motility and the prevalence of SIBO in obese patients and to determine whether there was any relationship between both parameters.
Methods:
Thirty-nine patients scheduled for bariatric surgery were subjected to hydrogen breath test with lactulose and to a stationary small intestinal motility study with perfused catheters.
Results:
SIBO was observed in 41% of obese patients and was not related to body mass index. Small intestinal manometry showed a marked increase of clustered contractions in obese patients with SIBO compared to obese subjects without SIBO, whereas all the other parameters of fasting cyclic activity were not different.
Conclusions:
SIBO was a frequent finding in obese patients and was associated with an increased pattern of clustered contractions, which was not observed in absence of SIBO.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Muscle Contraction
Pharmacokinetics in Obese Patients: Drug Metabolism and Excretion
Drug Dosing: Obese Patients
Pharmacokinetics in Obese Patients: Drug Absorption and Distribution
Bacterial Flora of the Large Intestine
The normal gut flora of the colon plays a critical role in generating essential vitamins such as vitamins K, B5, and B7.
Obesity

