VIDEO: How the gut microbiome can influence obesity treatment

DENVER — Prior studies have shown that many diseases are tied to the gut microbiome, including metabolic disorders such as obesity, according to Sahil Khanna, MBBS, MS, FACG, AGAF.

“We do understand that people who are suffering from obesity or metabolic diseases have derangement in their gut microbiome,” Khanna, a gastroenterologist and professor of medicine of gastroenterology and hepatology at the Mayo Clinic, said. “They have dysbiosis, meaning fewer numbers of bacteria, fewer richness of bacteria and just not a lot of variety of bacteria in their intestines.”

Khanna also noted that the different compositions of bacteria in intestines “can affect hunger and satiety, how much energy we absorb from food [and] what it does to the inflammation in the gut.”

“All of those can have positive effects on metabolic parameters,” he said.

However, more research is needed to better understand the role of the gut microbiome in obesity treatment, Khanna said.

Reference:

• Khanna S. Role of gut microbiome in obesity treatment. Presented at: Obesity Medicine 2024. April 24-28, 2024; Denver.