Research
Energy balance
Gut microbiota composition influences obesity risk through energy harvesting efficiency, specifically via the Firmicutes-to-Bacteroidetes ratio and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production.
Focus on dietary diversity and fiber intake to support a healthy gut microbiome. While not a magic bullet, a diet rich in prebiotics and probiotics may help regulate energy balance and reduce obesity risk by influencing gut bacteria composition.
ModerateSupportsMEDIUM confidence
Gut microbiota has been implicated in regulation of fat storage, as well as gut dysbiosis, thus contributing to the development of obesity, insulin resistance, hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia.
Why this rating
The paper is a review summarizing various studies, including animal models and human observational studies, but notes mechanisms are not fully clear.
Source
Gut Microbiota: From Microorganisms to Metabolic Organ Influencing Obesity
Richard W. Stephens et al. · Obesity · 2018
DOI 10.1002/oby.22179
narrative_reviewCited 167×
Read the paper DOI resolved against Crossref · corpus check 2026-06-10
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- Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) produced by gut microbiota influence host energy homeostasis and adipose storage through multiple mechanisms including GPCR signaling and histone deacetylase inhibition.Moderate
- Dysbiosis and increased gut permeability (leaky gut) contribute to obesity through metabolic endotoxemia and low-grade inflammation.Moderate
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