The Role of Gut Microbiota, Nutrition, and Physical Activity in Depression and Obesity-Interdependent Mechanisms/Co-Occurrence

Nutrients. 2024 Apr 2;16(7):1039. doi: 10.3390/nu16071039.

Abstract

Obesity and depression are interdependent pathological disorders with strong inflammatory effects commonly found worldwide. They determine the health status of the population and cause key problems in terms of morbidity and mortality. The role of gut microbiota and its composition in the treatment of obesity and psychological factors is increasingly emphasized. Published research suggests that prebiotic, probiotic, or symbiotic preparations can effectively intervene in obesity treatment and mood-dysregulation alleviation. Thus, this literature review aims to highlight the role of intestinal microbiota in treating depression and obesity. An additional purpose is to indicate probiotics, including psychobiotics and prebiotics, potentially beneficial in supporting the treatment of these two diseases.

Keywords: depression; nutrients; obesity; probiotic microorganisms.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Depression / therapy
  • Exercise
  • Gastrointestinal Microbiome*
  • Humans
  • Nutritional Status
  • Obesity / therapy
  • Prebiotics

Substances

  • Prebiotics

Grants and funding

This research was supported by National Science Centre (NCN), Poland (grant no. 2020/39/D/NZ9/01810). For the purpose of Open Access, the author has applied a CC-BY public copyright licence to any Author Accepted Manuscript (AAM) version arising from this submission.