This suggests that L. plantarum ST‐III may exert its anti‐obesity effects through mechanisms beyond simple caloric restriction, such as the modulation of gut hormone secretion (e.g., PYY) and the enhancement of intestinal barrier integrity (Batterham et al. 2002; Cani et al. 2009; Cani et al. 2007). The gene discussed is PYY; the disease is obesity due to melanocortin 4 receptor deficiency.