In obese individuals, which gut bacteria is found at higher levels?

Higher levels of Firmicutes in obese individuals have been linked to the development and maintenance of obesity. Research indicates that individuals with obesity tend to have a greater proportion of Firmicutes relative to Bacteroidetes, another major group of gut bacteria. This alteration in gut microbiota composition may affect energy metabolism and fat storage, potentially leading to weight gain and obesity.

Firmicutes are involved in the fermentation of dietary fibers and can extract more energy from food than Bacteroidetes, which can contribute to an increase in body fat stores. This microbial imbalance can influence metabolic functions, including the regulation of appetite and energy expenditure. The association between higher Firmicutes levels and obesity highlights the complex interactions between the gut microbiome and host metabolism, underlining the importance of gut health in weight management strategies.