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Association between the Gut Microbiota and Obesity
1Faculty of Medical Sciences, University "Goce Delchev", Shtip, Republic of Macedonia.
Open Access Macedonian Journal of Medical Sciences
|August 14, 2019
Summary
The gut microbiota, essential for human health, may contribute to obesity. Dysbiosis, or microbial imbalance, is linked to weight gain and altered energy metabolism.
Area of Science:
- Microbiome research
- Human physiology
- Metabolic disorders
Background:
- The human gut microbiota is a vital 'hidden organ' with crucial functions.
- Immune mechanisms co-evolved for microbiota monitoring and control.
- Gut microbiota deficiency (dysbiosis) is implicated in various disorders, including obesity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the scientific literature on the association between gut microbiota and obesity.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive meta-analysis of published data.
- Searches conducted across major scientific databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane Library).
Main Results:
- Obese individuals exhibit a distinct shift in the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio in their gut microbiota.
- This ratio changes with weight loss, suggesting a potential link to obesity.
- Transferring microbiota from obese to germ-free mice increased body fat by over 50%.
Conclusions:
- Gut microbiota significantly influences food digestion, absorption, and metabolism.
- Obese individuals' microbiota may extract more energy from food.
- Gut microbiota impacts appetite regulation and energy balance, influenced by lifestyle and diet.
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