Role of gut microbiome in obesity

Obesity is characterized by abnormal or excessive accumulation of fats, resulting from a long-term imbalance between energy consumption and its expenditure. It is not only a primary cosmetic concern but also a grave medical issue that increases the propensity toward several other illnesses, such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, high blood pressure, certain cancers, and hormonal imbalances. Increasing concern over potential health risks associated with this condition has now become universal, owing to the exponential increase in obese and overweight individuals globally, during the past four decades. Prevention and treatment of obesity and its associated risks have proven to be complicated, thereby posing hindrance and limiting the number of practical approaches that can tackle this problem. This indicates that there is a dire need for novel therapeutic modalities to address this issue. Over the past few years, mechanistic studies have indicated that gastrointestinal microbiota can influence obesity as well as obesity-related disorders. Recent comparative analyses between the gut microbiome of lean and obese individuals have revealed a potential link between obesity and variations in the gut flora. This fact raises the possibility that manipulation of the gut microflora could facilitate weight loss and/or aid in combating weight gain in humans. Thus, this chapter focuses on understanding the intrinsic link between gut microbiome and obesity, along with its therapeutic significance in managing or preventing obesity and maintaining overall health.