Does gut microbiota affect the success of weight loss? Evidence and speculation

Abstract

Obesity is a chronic state of excessive fat accumulation in the body, characterized by significant relapse and complicated by a range of health consequences. In the treatment of obesity, a holistic approach including diet, physical activity, pharmacotherapy, bariatric surgery, and psychological support is recommended. The implications of gut microbiota (GM) as a pathogenic factor in excess body weight have been discussed, and microbial-targeted therapies-including probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics-are considered adjuvant in obesity management. Many studies have focused on assessing the effectiveness of probiotics, prebiotics, or synbiotics in weight control, although with inconclusive results, mainly because of the significant heterogeneity of the studies (with different strains, doses, forms, interventional durations, and outcomes). It is also unclear whether using probiotics or synbiotics accompanied by weight loss dietary interventions or as a part of bariatric surgery will be more effective in obesity management, not only in the short-term but also for long-term weight loss maintenance. The aim of this study was to collect and compare the available scientific data on the effectiveness of probiotic or synbiotic supplementation (as a single therapy versus as part of dietary interventions, pharmacotherapy, or bariatric therapy) on weight control in obesity.

Keywords: Bariatric surgery; Diet; Gut microbiota; Obesity; Probiotics; Synbiotics; Weight loss.