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Gut Microbiota and Obesity: A Role for Probiotics
Ludovico Abenavoli1, Emidio Scarpellini2, Carmela Colica3
1Department of Health Sciences, University Magna Graecia, Campus "Salvatore Venuta", 88100 Catanzaro, Italy.
Nutrients
|November 10, 2019
Summary
Gut microbiota composition influences obesity development. Modulating gut bacteria with probiotics or prebiotics may help manage obesity by reshaping metabolic profiles in affected individuals.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Human Health
- Metabolic Disorders
Background:
- Obesity is a prevalent global health issue.
- Established factors include energy imbalance, lifestyle, and genetics.
- Emerging research highlights the role of gut microbiota in obesity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge on intestinal microbiota definition, composition, and function.
- To explore the association between gut bacteria and obesity.
- To examine potential therapeutic strategies targeting gut microbes for obesity.
Main Methods:
- Extensive literature review.
- Keywords searched: metabolism, gut microbiota, dysbiosis, obesity.
- Analysis of evidence from animal and human studies.
Main Results:
- Gut microbiota composition is linked to obesity in infants and adults.
- Multiple genetic, metabolic, and inflammatory mechanisms mediate the gut microbe-obesity interaction.
- Microbial alterations in the gut are a contributing factor to human obesity.
Conclusions:
- Gut microbial changes are implicated in human obesity development.
- Modulating gut bacteria may alter metabolic profiles in obese individuals.
- Further research into probiotics, prebiotics, and antibiotics for obesity is warranted.
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