The importance of the gut microbiota in the onset and development of obesity

Abstract Obesity is recognized as a civilization disease constituting a serious global health problem and an increasing number of recent studies emphasize a key role of intestinal flora in maintaining the overall function of the body. In this article we want to present the link between the gut microbiota and obesity. We highlight, that the gut microbiome influences the immune system by affecting GALT maturation, enhancing intestinal barrier function and secreting various proteins and cytokines. In addition, we show that intestinal bacteria produce short-chain fatty acids that impact anti- and pro-inflammatory responses and intestinal epithelial function. Moreover, dysbiosis is closely related to the development and persistence of obesity. It causes impairment of intestinal barrier as well as prompts changes in the immune system leading to an inflammatory response. It is worth noting that probiotics and prebiotics, containing Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus strains, have great potential in modulating the composition of intestinal microflora and alleviating metabolic disorders associated with obesity.