Gut Microbiota and Obesity: Potential Therapeutic Targets and Probiotic Treatment

Abstract

The gut bacteria model attributes obesity to the variable makeup of gut microbiota and its ability to modulate host energy homeostasis, adiposity and inflammation. To counteract these deleterious effects, strains of probiotics have been developed to manipulate gut microbiomes and improve health. The current article explores the mechanisms by which gut microbiota modulate host metabolism and highlights recent human study data assessing the effects of probiotic supplementation on the prevention and treatment of obesity.