Intestinal Microbiota, Obesity and Insulin Resistance—What Are the Relationships?

Abstract

Obesity is a public health problem and its prevalence increases every year, resulting from a complex interaction between genetic, metabolic and environmental factors, as well as cultural influences. The Intestinal Microbiota is composed of trillions of microorganisms by forming a symbiotic relationship with the host and helping the absorption of various nutrients, increasing the extraction of components of the diet, the lipogenesis and intestinal permeability. Studies show that there is difference between the composition of the intestinal microbiota of an obese person and a healthy one. The purpose of this article is to review the literature on the relationship between the Intestinal Microbiota, Obesity and Insulin Resistance and also illustrate some studies on the subject.