Microbiota and Obesity

Erika Isolauri elaborates on how changes in microbiota affects obesity.Current evidence indicates that C-section delivery, antibiotic use and lack of breastfeeding interfere with the host-microbe interactions, and may increase the risk of obesity. Randomized controlled trial showed that nutrition counselling and use of probiotics (Lactobacillis rhamnosus GG and Bifidobacterium lactis) during pregnancy and breastfeeding reduced the risk of gestational diabetes and large birth size, and prevented early excessive weight gain in the offspring. The idea that the gut microbiota can be reprogrammed with probiotics and synbiotics is an attractive proposition. However, it must be noted that the gut microbiota composition is only one piece of the puzzle.