Obesity is undoubtedly one of the most significant epidemics of the 21st century. Regrettably, predictions indicate that the severity of this condition will intensify with each passing year. Research conducted by the Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health suggests that by 2030, more than half of Americans will be afflicted by obesity, and a quarter of them will receive a type 2 obesity diagnosis (exceeding a BMI of 35 m2/kg).
Understanding the Gut Microbiome
The gut microbiome comprises trillions of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, archaea, and eukaryotes, residing in the human gastrointestinal tract. These microbes metabolize undigested food residues, digestive mucus, and dead cells present in the intestines. In return, they generate numerous beneficial compounds such as short-chain fatty acids, vitamins, and anti-inflammatory agents. However, certain microorganisms produce harmful substances, including neurotoxins, carcinogens, and immunotoxins. In healthy individuals, bacteria from the Firmicutes and Bacteroides genera predominate. Disruptions in gut microbiota balance (dysbiosis) can adversely affect metabolic and immune processes, contributing to the development of various conditions, including obesity (J. Miyamoto et al., 2019).
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