This study aimed to investigate the gut microbial genera associated with skeletal muscle mass, using a large-scale survey from the standpoint of preventing sarcopenia. A total of 848 participants were included in the analysis. The mean (SD) ages of men (n = 353) and women (n = 495) were 50.0 (12.9) years and 50.8 (12.8) years, respectively. Body composition was assessed using appendicular skeletal muscle mass/body weight (ASM/BW), ASM, and BW. Additionally, the relationship between gut microbial genera and body composition was analyzed. The means (SD) of ASM/BW were 34.9 (2.4) % in men and 29.4 (2.9) % in women. Blautia and Bifidobacterium were positively associated with ASM/BW only in men (Blautia: β = 0.0003, Bifidobacterium: β = 0.0001). However, Blautia was negatively associated with BW (β = −0.0017). Eisenbergiella was positively associated with ASM/BW (β = 0.0209) and negatively associated with BW (β = −0.0769) only in women. Our results indicate that Blautia, Bifidobacterium and Eisenbergiella, which are positively associated with ASM/BW, might help increase skeletal muscle mass. ASM/BW may clarify the relationship between gut microbiota and skeletal muscle mass without being affected by obesity or excess body fat mass.

Affordable and accessible behaviour-based interventions that do not overwhelm or demoralise overweight/obese individuals are needed. Combining clothing with behaviour change techniques might be an option. This is because clothing is a social norm, and clothing and motivation for weight loss are associated with the common desire to look better. Therefore, we conducted a single-blind randomised controlled trial to examine the effect of an intervention that combined behaviour change techniques, including simplified goal setting and self-monitoring, with a body compression corrective garment (BCCG), which exerts continuous but minimal tactile pressure on the hips and abdomen. We enrolled healthy community-dwelling adults with a body mass index ≥ 25 kg/m2 and assigned 35 and 34 participants to the intervention and control groups, respectively. The reduction in body weight was 1.3 kg more in the intervention group than in the control group after the 12-week intervention period (p < 0.05, repeated-measures mixed model). In addition, eating behaviour and body appreciation showed significant improvement in the intervention group compared with the control group. Our newly developed intervention improved eating behaviour and body appreciation and reduced the body weight of overweight/obese participants. Wearing a BCCG seems to facilitate behavioural changes and lead to weight loss.

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