The gut microbiota as a therapeutic approach for obesity

The rates of obesity, a complex disease that afflicts millions worldwide, have become a global concern. The collection of microorganisms and host factors that interact with them in the intestines, known as the microbiome, plays a crucial role in shaping various diseases including obesity. Investigating how the gut microbiome interacts with diet may provide context into why and how the pathology of obesity is complexed. Moreover, understanding the interface between gut microbiota and the disease could give potential avenues for novel therapeutics. Managing the balance between pro- and anti-inflammatory pathways derived from interactions of the gut microbiome has become a clear objective. Antibiotics, phage therapies, diet supplementation, and fecal transplantation all have potential positives and negatives that deserve further investigation. In this chapter, we review these potential therapeutic options addressing proposed mechanisms of action and highlighting key aspects that warrant additional attention.