How Gut Bacteria and Body Chemicals Relate to Obesity and Treatments at Different Ages

Obesity is linked to dietary patterns that shape gut microbiome functions and metabolic health.

• Diet-microbiome-host interactions influence energy balance, insulin sensitivity, and inflammation.
• Plant-based, fiber-rich diets may enhance beneficial gut bacteria and increase short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), while Western diets could promote proinflammatory bacteria and metabolites.
• Incretin-based therapies have shown potential to alter the microbiome and metabolites, though evidence of direct causation in humans is still lacking.
• Function-centered metrics are more effective than phylum-level ratios for understanding microbiome impacts on health.
• Longitudinal studies and machine learning approaches are critical for identifying specific microbial and metabolomic patterns that can inform personalized nutrition and treatment.

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