The gut microbiome in the fight against obesity: The potential of dietary factors

Abstract

Obesity as a global public health burden has experienced a drastic growing trend recently. The management of obesity is challenging because of its complex etiology, and various factors are involved in its development, such as genetic and environmental factors. Different approaches are available to treat and/or manage obesity, including diet, physical activity, lifestyle changes, medications, and surgery. However, some of these approaches have inherent limitations and are closely associated with adverse effects. Therefore, probing into a novel/safe approach to treat and/or manage obesity is of fundamental importance. One such approach gaining renewed interest is the potential role of gut microbiota in obesity and its effectiveness in treating this condition. However, there is a dearth of comprehensive compilation of data on the potential role of the gut microbiome in obesity, particularly regarding dietary factors as a therapeutic approach. Therefore, this review aims to provide an updated overview of the role of gut microbiota in obesity, further highlighting the importance of dietary factors, particularly diet, prebiotics, and probiotics, as potential complementary and/or alternative therapeutic options. Moreover, the association of gut microbiota with obese or lean individuals has also been discussed.

Role of the Intestine and Its Gut Microbiota in Metabolic Syndrome and Obesity

“…Alternatively, the microbiome enhancer diet, rich in fiber and resistant starch, incorporates larger food particles-too enhance microbial accessibility-and minimizes processed foods, leading to reduced metabolizable energy without impacting energy expenditure or hunger (52). In addition, prebiotics, fermented ingredients that alter the composition and activity of the gut microbiota and probiotics, which are beneficial microorganisms, may also be effective in modulating the gut microbiota (53). Human research shows that probiotic supplementation can augment weight loss and enhance metabolic health in obese individuals, especially when combined with lifestyle weight loss interventions, such as calorierestricted diets or increased physical activity (25,53,54).…”

“…In addition, prebiotics, fermented ingredients that alter the composition and activity of the gut microbiota and probiotics, which are beneficial microorganisms, may also be effective in modulating the gut microbiota (53). Human research shows that probiotic supplementation can augment weight loss and enhance metabolic health in obese individuals, especially when combined with lifestyle weight loss interventions, such as calorierestricted diets or increased physical activity (25,53,54). When FMT was continued with donor feces collected while following the Mediterranean diet, the beneficial effects on metabolism were maintained, although subjects themselves were no longer following this diet (55).…”