Which type of bacteria is typically elevated in overweight individuals?

Firmicutes are a type of bacteria that tend to be elevated in the gut microbiota of overweight and obese individuals. Research has indicated a correlation between the abundance of Firmicutes and the development of obesity. This bacterial group plays a significant role in the digestion of carbohydrates and fats, potentially influencing energy extraction from food and overall metabolism.

In obese individuals, a higher ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes, another bacterial group, has been observed, suggesting that Firmicutes may contribute to increased energy harvest from dietary sources, leading to weight gain. This relationship emphasizes the importance of the gut microbiome's composition in metabolic health and weight management.

The other bacteria mentioned, while present in the gut microbiome, do not share the same established connection with being elevated specifically in overweight individuals, making Firmicutes the most relevant choice in relation to obesity.