Mixed
Voluntary aerobic exercise prevents high-fat diet-induced weight gain and obesity in mice by altering the gut microbiota composition, specifically by increasing the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes and decreasing Firmicutes.
Engaging in regular, voluntary physical activity can help prevent weight gain even when consuming a high-fat diet. This benefit appears to be mediated, in part, by positive changes in gut bacteria (increased Bacteroidetes, decreased Firmicutes), suggesting that movement influences metabolism beyond just burning calories.
Exercise (Ex) induces a unique shift in the gut microbiota that is different from dietary effects. Microbiota changes may play a role in Ex prevention of HF-DIO.
Why this rating
The study uses a controlled animal model with rigorous statistical analysis (ANOVA, PERMANOVA) but findings are not directly translatable to humans without further validation.
Source
Exercise Prevents Weight Gain and Alters the Gut Microbiota in a Mouse Model of High Fat Diet-Induced Obesity
Christian C. Evans et al. · PLoS ONE · 2014
DOI 10.1371/journal.pone.0092193
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