{"id":9415,"date":"2024-09-21T01:35:04","date_gmt":"2024-09-20T22:35:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/?p=9415"},"modified":"2026-05-23T18:24:28","modified_gmt":"2026-05-23T15:24:28","slug":"microbiome-and-obesity-as-bacteria-affect-body-mass","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/microbiome-and-obesity-as-bacteria-affect-body-mass\/","title":{"rendered":"Microbiome and obesity: how bacteria affect body weight"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"\" data-start=\"531\" data-end=\"875\"><strong data-start=\"531\" data-end=\"636\">Why can two people with the same diet and level of physical activity have radically different weights?<\/strong> Part of the answer lies in the invisible inhabitants of our gut\u2014the microbiome. New research suggests that the state of our microbiome may be a key factor in the development of obesity, influencing metabolism, appetite, and even the effectiveness of diets.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"877\" data-end=\"1116\">The microbiome is not just a passive collection of bacteria. It is a complex ecosystem that interacts with our immune, endocrine, and nervous systems every day. Disruption of this interaction can trigger metabolic disorders that lead to weight gain.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"\" data-start=\"1118\" data-end=\"1162\">What is the microbiome and what role does it play?<\/h2>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1164\" data-end=\"1282\"><a href=\"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/how-bacteria-affect-the-intestinal-microbiome-and-why-it-is-important-to-maintain-its-balance\/\">Microbiome<\/a> \u2014 is the totality of all microorganisms that inhabit the human body, in particular the intestine. The main role is played by:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"1284\" data-end=\"1424\">\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"1284\" data-end=\"1360\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1286\" data-end=\"1360\"><strong data-start=\"1286\" data-end=\"1298\">bacteria<\/strong> (Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"1361\" data-end=\"1424\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1363\" data-end=\"1424\"><strong data-start=\"1363\" data-end=\"1390\">viruses, archaea and fungi<\/strong> \u2014 less studied, but also significant<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1426\" data-end=\"1450\">The microbiome is involved in:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"1452\" data-end=\"1661\">\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"1452\" data-end=\"1478\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1454\" data-end=\"1478\">fiber fermentation<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"1479\" data-end=\"1529\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1481\" data-end=\"1529\">synthesis of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"1530\" data-end=\"1561\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1532\" data-end=\"1561\">modulation of immune response<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"1562\" data-end=\"1609\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1564\" data-end=\"1609\">regulation of appetite hormones (ghrelin, leptin)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"1610\" data-end=\"1637\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1612\" data-end=\"1637\">nutrient absorption<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"1638\" data-end=\"1661\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1640\" data-end=\"1661\">protection against inflammation<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 class=\"\" data-start=\"1663\" data-end=\"1701\">How the microbiome is linked to obesity<\/h2>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1703\" data-end=\"1988\">Obese people often have <strong data-start=\"1739\" data-end=\"1783\">reduced diversity of intestinal microflora<\/strong>. The balance of the main bacterial groups is also changing:<br data-start=\"1837\" data-end=\"1840\" \/>\u2013 the number of Bacteroidetes decreases<br data-start=\"1876\" data-end=\"1879\" \/>\u2013 the proportion of Firmicutes increases<br data-start=\"1911\" data-end=\"1914\" \/>\u2013 the level of bacteria increases, which contributes to increased calorie extraction from food<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"\" data-start=\"1990\" data-end=\"2048\">Comparison table: microbiome in normal and obese individuals<\/h3>\n<div class=\"_tableContainer_16hzy_1\">\n<div class=\"_tableWrapper_16hzy_14 group flex w-fit flex-col-reverse\">\n<table class=\"w-fit min-w-(--thread-content-width)\" data-start=\"2050\" data-end=\"2483\">\n<thead data-start=\"2050\" data-end=\"2102\">\n<tr data-start=\"2050\" data-end=\"2102\">\n<th data-start=\"2050\" data-end=\"2065\" data-col-size=\"sm\"><strong data-start=\"2052\" data-end=\"2064\">Parameter<\/strong><\/th>\n<th data-start=\"2065\" data-end=\"2086\" data-col-size=\"sm\"><strong data-start=\"2067\" data-end=\"2085\">Normal weight<\/strong><\/th>\n<th data-start=\"2086\" data-end=\"2102\" data-col-size=\"sm\"><strong data-start=\"2088\" data-end=\"2100\">Adiposity<\/strong><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody data-start=\"2159\" data-end=\"2483\">\n<tr data-start=\"2159\" data-end=\"2204\">\n<td data-start=\"2159\" data-end=\"2185\" data-col-size=\"sm\">Diversity of microflora<\/td>\n<td data-start=\"2185\" data-end=\"2194\" data-col-size=\"sm\">High<\/td>\n<td data-start=\"2194\" data-end=\"2204\" data-col-size=\"sm\">Low<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr data-start=\"2205\" data-end=\"2274\">\n<td data-start=\"2205\" data-end=\"2247\" data-col-size=\"sm\">Firmicutes\/Bacteroidetes ratio<\/td>\n<td data-start=\"2247\" data-end=\"2261\" data-col-size=\"sm\">Balanced<\/td>\n<td data-start=\"2261\" data-end=\"2274\" data-col-size=\"sm\">Increased<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr data-start=\"2275\" data-end=\"2338\">\n<td data-start=\"2275\" data-end=\"2292\" data-col-size=\"sm\">SCFA products<\/td>\n<td data-start=\"2292\" data-end=\"2302\" data-col-size=\"sm\">Moderate<\/td>\n<td data-start=\"2302\" data-end=\"2338\" data-col-size=\"sm\">Excessive (contributes to fat storage)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr data-start=\"2339\" data-end=\"2389\">\n<td data-start=\"2339\" data-end=\"2367\" data-col-size=\"sm\">Intestinal permeability<\/td>\n<td data-start=\"2367\" data-end=\"2376\" data-col-size=\"sm\">Low<\/td>\n<td data-start=\"2376\" data-end=\"2389\" data-col-size=\"sm\">Increased<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr data-start=\"2390\" data-end=\"2434\">\n<td data-start=\"2390\" data-end=\"2411\" data-col-size=\"sm\">Chronic inflammation<\/td>\n<td data-start=\"2411\" data-end=\"2422\" data-col-size=\"sm\">Missing<\/td>\n<td data-start=\"2422\" data-end=\"2434\" data-col-size=\"sm\">Latent<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr data-start=\"2435\" data-end=\"2483\">\n<td data-start=\"2435\" data-end=\"2460\" data-col-size=\"sm\">Insulin sensitivity<\/td>\n<td data-start=\"2460\" data-end=\"2472\" data-col-size=\"sm\">Saved<\/td>\n<td data-start=\"2472\" data-end=\"2483\" data-col-size=\"sm\">Reduced<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<div class=\"sticky end-(--thread-content-margin) h-0 self-end select-none\">\n<div class=\"absolute end-0 flex items-end\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"\" data-start=\"2485\" data-end=\"2523\">Mechanisms of the microbiome&#039;s influence on weight<\/h2>\n<ol data-start=\"2525\" data-end=\"3225\">\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"2525\" data-end=\"2727\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2528\" data-end=\"2727\"><strong data-start=\"2528\" data-end=\"2565\">Increased energy extraction from food<\/strong><br data-start=\"2565\" data-end=\"2568\" \/>Some bacteria break down fiber into fatty acids, which are then absorbed by the body. This increases the total calorie content of even a \u201clow-calorie\u201d diet.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"2729\" data-end=\"2885\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2732\" data-end=\"2885\"><strong data-start=\"2732\" data-end=\"2751\">Effect on appetite<\/strong><br data-start=\"2751\" data-end=\"2754\" \/>The microbiome regulates the release of ghrelin (the hunger hormone) and leptin (the satiety hormone), and also affects the pleasure centers in the brain.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"2887\" data-end=\"3060\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2890\" data-end=\"3060\"><strong data-start=\"2890\" data-end=\"2927\">Formation of insulin resistance<\/strong><br data-start=\"2927\" data-end=\"2930\" \/>Disruption of the microflora contributes to chronic low-level inflammation, which reduces insulin sensitivity and stimulates fat deposition.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"3062\" data-end=\"3225\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"3065\" data-end=\"3225\"><strong data-start=\"3065\" data-end=\"3095\">Intestinal barrier function<\/strong><br data-start=\"3095\" data-end=\"3098\" \/>Dysbiosis increases the permeability of the intestinal wall - lipopolysaccharides enter the blood, which trigger inflammatory cascades.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h2 class=\"\" data-start=\"3227\" data-end=\"3262\">How to diagnose the state of the microbiome<\/h2>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"3264\" data-end=\"3290\">Available methods include:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"3292\" data-end=\"3551\">\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"3292\" data-end=\"3347\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"3294\" data-end=\"3347\"><strong data-start=\"3294\" data-end=\"3313\">PCR analysis of feces<\/strong> \u2014 identifies the main genera of bacteria<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"3348\" data-end=\"3418\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"3350\" data-end=\"3418\"><strong data-start=\"3350\" data-end=\"3378\">metagenomic sequencing<\/strong> \u2014 in-depth analysis of all DNA organisms<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"3419\" data-end=\"3503\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"3421\" data-end=\"3503\"><strong data-start=\"3421\" data-end=\"3441\">tests for <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/what-is-the-actual-search-for-in-the-laboratory-for-dysbiosis-in-feces-analysis\/\" title=\"Stool analysis for dysbiosis: what is actually being looked for in the laboratory\"  data-wpil-monitor-id=\"396\">dysbiosis \u2014 analysis<\/a> ratio of beneficial and opportunistic flora<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"3504\" data-end=\"3551\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"3506\" data-end=\"3551\"><strong data-start=\"3506\" data-end=\"3527\">inflammatory markers<\/strong> (calprotectin, Zonulin)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"3553\" data-end=\"3626\">These studies help identify imbalances that may affect weight.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3553\" data-end=\"3626\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-9417\" src=\"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/wp-content\/themes\/woodmart\/images\/lazy.svg\" data-src=\"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/kyshkivnyk-.jpg\" alt=\"Foods that improve microflora \u2014 fiber, kefir, vegetables\" width=\"1200\" height=\"559\" srcset=\"\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/kyshkivnyk-.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/kyshkivnyk--150x70.jpg 150w, https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/kyshkivnyk--600x280.jpg 600w, https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/kyshkivnyk--300x140.jpg 300w, https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/kyshkivnyk--1024x477.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/kyshkivnyk--768x358.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"\" data-start=\"3628\" data-end=\"3676\">How to improve your microbiome for weight management<\/h2>\n<ul data-start=\"3678\" data-end=\"4062\">\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"3678\" data-end=\"3752\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"3680\" data-end=\"3752\"><strong data-start=\"3680\" data-end=\"3720\">High-fiber diet<\/strong>: vegetables, fruits, whole grains<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"3753\" data-end=\"3821\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"3755\" data-end=\"3821\"><strong data-start=\"3755\" data-end=\"3780\">Fermented foods<\/strong>: kefir, yogurt, kimchi, sauerkraut<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"3822\" data-end=\"3879\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"3824\" data-end=\"3879\"><strong data-start=\"3824\" data-end=\"3852\"><a href=\"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/probiotics-their-importance-for-health-i-have-seen-and-the-rules-of-reception\/\">Probiotics<\/a> and prebiotics<\/strong> \u2014 as prescribed by a doctor<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"3880\" data-end=\"3926\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"3882\" data-end=\"3926\"><strong data-start=\"3882\" data-end=\"3924\">Limiting added sugar and trans fats<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"3927\" data-end=\"3990\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"3929\" data-end=\"3990\"><strong data-start=\"3929\" data-end=\"3951\">Physical activity<\/strong> \u2014 promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"3991\" data-end=\"4062\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"3993\" data-end=\"4062\"><strong data-start=\"3993\" data-end=\"4022\">Sleep and stress management<\/strong> \u2014 sleep disorders affect the microflora<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"4064\" data-end=\"4441\">The microbiome is not just a trendy topic, but a fundamental component of metabolic health. Its state affects not only weight, but also inflammation levels, hormonal balance, and even mood. Studying your own microbiome can be the first step towards an individualized approach to fighting obesity, especially if standard diets don&#039;t work or the weight quickly returns after losing weight.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Why can two people with the same diet and level of physical activity have radically different weights? Part of the answer lies in the invisible<\/p>","protected":false},"author":627,"featured_media":9416,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-9415","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9415","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/627"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=9415"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9415\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/9416"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9415"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=9415"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=9415"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}