Since this study shows that DRA is the only Cl transporter mechanism that is affected, loss of its function in the colon in obesity would suggest its clinical significance in disrupting luminal acid/base imbalance, causing defective mucus secretion and impaired epithelial barrier integrity, which would ultimately lead to diarrhea, a common symptom observed among IBD as well as in obesity patients. This evidence concerns the gene SLC26A3 and obesity due to melanocortin 4 receptor deficiency.