Effects of Gut Microbiota and Probiotics on Obesity

Abstract

Intestinal microbiota having important effects on energy homeostasis is associated with obesity and many metabolic diseases. The presence of "dysbiosis" seen with the imbalance of the ratio between the dominant bacterial phyla making up the microbiota plays a role in the pathogenesis of obesity. In the case of dysbiosis, the permeability of the intestinal barrier increases and the synthesis of short-chain fatty acids with significant metabolic effects decreases. Glucose and lipid metabolism is disrupted in the host organism, the susceptibility to inflammation increases and the metabolic endotoxemia results in obesity with these physiological changes in dysbiosis. Therefore, the use of probiotics has come to the forefront in recent years to protect the functional integrity of the intestinal microbiota and to prevent dysbiosis. As the result of various experimental and clinical studies conducted in probiotic applications, the mechanisms that can have an effect on energy metabolism and obesity development have been revealed. Accordingly, it has been reported that Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus spp. strains, which are the main components of probiotics and nutritional supplements, have beneficial effects on obesity or metabolic complications (abnormal lipid profile and high glucose level) in animal studies. The effect of probiotics on weight control is not only a direct effect but also an indirect effect against harmful bacteria in the gut. The general limitations of all these studies are stated as small sample sizes and not having longer follow-ups.

Keywords

• Probiotic
• Gut microbiota,
• Body weight,
• Energy

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