The Gut Microbiome in Human Obesity: A Comprehensive Review

Area of Science:

• Microbiome Research
• Metabolic Health
• Obesity Studies

Background:

• Overweight and obesity affect billions, with numbers projected to rise significantly.
• The gut microbiome is a critical regulator of host metabolism and energy balance.
• Understanding the gut microbiome is vital for developing new obesity treatments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the role of the gut microbiome in human obesity.
• To explore microbiome alterations, mechanisms, dietary influences, and therapeutic strategies for obesity.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive literature review on gut microbiome and obesity.
• Analysis of microbiome alterations, mechanisms, and dietary impacts.
• Evaluation of microbiome-based therapeutic approaches.

Main Results:

• Obesity is associated with reduced gut microbial diversity and altered bacterial phyla.
• The gut microbiome influences obesity via short-chain fatty acids, inflammation, gene modulation, and fat storage.
• Plant-based diets show protective effects, while microbiome-based therapies (probiotics, FMT) show therapeutic potential.

Conclusions:

• The gut microbiome is a significant factor in obesity and metabolic disorders.
• Dietary interventions and microbiome-based therapies offer promising avenues for obesity management.
• Advancements in microbiome research pave the way for personalized obesity treatments.