Impact of the factors shaping gut microbiota on obesity

Abstract

Obesity is considered as a risk factor for chronic health diseases such as heart diseases, cancer and diabetes 2. Reduced physical activities, lifestyle, poor nutritional diet and genetics are among the risk factors associated with the development of obesity. In recent years, several studies have explored the link between the gut microbiome and the progression of diseases including obesity, with the shift in microbiome abundance and composition being the main focus. The alteration of gut microbiome composition affects both nutrients metabolism and specific gene expressions, thereby disturbing body physiology. Specifically, the abundance of fibre-metabolizing microbes is associated with weight loss and that of protein and fat-metabolizing bacteria with weight gain. Various internal and external factors such as genetics, maternal obesity, mode of delivery, breastfeeding, nutrition, antibiotic use and the chemical compounds present in the environment are known to interfere with the richness of the gut microbiota (GM), thus influencing weight gain/loss and ultimately the development of obesity. However, the effectiveness of each factor in potentiating the shift in microbes' abundance to result in significant changes that can lead to obesity is not yet clear. In this review, we will highlight the factors involved in shaping GM, their influence on obesity and possible interventions. Understanding the influence of these factors on the diversity of the GM and how to improve their effectiveness on disease conditions could be keys in the treatment of metabolic diseases.

Self-Reported Eating Speed Is Associated with Indicators of Obesity in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

“…The revealed obesity-related markers presented in the literature have been widely reported. Among the mentioned markers, a sedentary lifestyle [4], socioeconomic factors [5], genetics [6], microbiome [7], psychological well-being [2], endocrine regulation [3], family and education influence [8,9], dietary behaviours such as skipping breakfast [10], snacking [11] and meal regulations [12][13][14] are prominent. Despite confirmed associations between obesity and its markers, there is a constant search for (and analysis of) new dependencies to manage and slow the 21st-century epidemic.…”

The molecular signaling of exercise and obesity in the microbiota-gut-brain axis

“…More recently, high BMI was associated with lower alpha diversity; however, the gut microbiota from obesogenic phenotypes may vary according to race/ethnicity, dietary components, or socioeconomic status ( 117 ). Moreover, some bacteria such as F. prausnitzii , R. faecis , A. muciniphila , Prevotelaceae , and Ruminococcus have been associated with weight reduction ( 118 , 119 ). More recently, Akkermansia muciniphila was shown to reduce gut barrier disruption and insulin resistance ( 120 ), where individuals with diabetes and obesity present a reduced abundance of this species, leading to some prospects in treating obesity ( 121 ).…”

Editorial: Oral Immune-Enhancing Research in Fish

“…Several strategies to generate a positive loop in maintaining host health through microbiota management have been proposed. Among the diverse strategies to selectively manipulate host-microbe interactions, diet is a significant factor that shapes the proportional representation of the microbiota present, particularly in the gut and their relative gene content ( 8 ). Reciprocally, the microbiota configuration influences the nutritional value of food Montalban-Arques et al.…”