Gut Microbiota: An Important Participant in Childhood Obesity

Abstract

Increasing prevalence of childhood obesity has emerged as a critical global public health concern. Recent studies have challenged the previous belief that obesity was solely a result of excessive caloric intake. Alterations in early-life gut microbiota can contribute to childhood obesity through their influence on nutrient absorption and metabolism, initiation of inflammatory responses, and regulation of gut–brain communication. The gut microbiota is increasingly acknowledged to play a crucial role in human health, as certain beneficial bacteria have been scientifically proven to possess the capacity to reduce body fat content and enhance intestinal barrier function and their metabolic products to exhibit anti-inflammatory effect. Examples of such microbes include bifidobacteria, Akkermansia muciniphila, and Lactobacillus reuteri. In contrast, an increase in Enterobacteriaceae and propionate-producing bacteria (Prevotellaceae and Veillonellaceae) has been implicated in the induction of low-grade systemic inflammation and disturbances in lipid metabolism, which can predispose individuals to obesity. Studies have demonstrated that modulating the gut microbiota through diet, lifestyle changes, prebiotics, probiotics, or fecal microbiota transplantation may contribute to gut homeostasis and the management of obesity and its associated comorbidities. This review aimed to elucidate the impact of alterations in gut microbiota composition during early life on childhood obesity and explores the mechanisms by which gut microbiota contributes to the pathogenesis of obesity and specifically focused on recent advances in using short-chain fatty acids for regulating gut microbiota and ameliorating obesity. Additionally, it aimed to discuss the therapeutic strategies for childhood obesity from the perspective of gut microbiota, aiming to provide a theoretical foundation for interventions targeting pediatric obesity based on gut microbiota.