Nutritional Correlation between Gut Microbiota and Obesity

Abstract

Obesity is a multifactorial chronic metabolic disease that has become a global public health crisis, with more than 1.3 billion individuals affected worldwide. Emerging evidence highlights the gut microbiota as a critical factor linking nutrition and obesity. Alterations in microbial diversity and composition—particularly an increased Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio—are closely associated with enhanced energy harvest, impaired intestinal barrier function, systemic low-grade inflammation, and metabolic disorders. These microbial imbalances form a vicious cycle that exacerbates obesity and related comorbidities such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Nutritional strategies targeting the gut microbiome have demonstrated promising therapeutic potential. Dietary interventions rich in fiber, polyphenols, and prebiotics can remodel microbial communities, increase short-chain fatty acid production, and improve metabolic regulation. Probiotic and synbiotic supplementation, particularly multi-strain formulations, have shown benefits in modulating microbial homeostasis and reducing visceral fat. Furthermore, fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has emerged as an innovative approach, improving insulin sensitivity and inflammatory markers, though its long-term efficacy and safety remain uncertain. Advances in metagenomics, metabolomics, and precision nutrition are expected to refine personalized microbiome-based therapies. Overall, understanding the bidirectional interaction between gut microbiota and obesity provides a scientific basis for developing effective nutritional interventions, which may contribute to comprehensive strategies for obesity prevention and treatment.