Association Between Obesity and Metabolism/Metabolites

Obesity is a global epidemic disorder with a multifaceted etiology, including genetics and environmental factors. Obesity has approximately tripled from 1975 to 2016, affecting 650 million adults worldwide, and in 2016, 39% of the world population was overweight^[1]. Obesity increases the risk of glucose intolerance, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, type 2 diabetes, breast cancer, colorectal cancer, and obstructive sleep apnea. Therefore, the study of obesity has always been the focus. As is well known, the rate of metabolism is closely related to obesity. In addition, recent evidence suggests that gut microbiota-derived metabolites are related to weight.

Obesity and Metabolism

More simply, metabolism refers to the rate at human body expends energy or burns calories. Some people with slow metabolism eat almost nothing, but still gain weight. Others have a steady weight no matter what they eat or how much they eat. This is because metabolism is almost a genetic factor that is not changed drastically. Researches have shown that strength training may increase muscle mass and thus increase the rate of metabolism slightly.

Obesity and Metabolites

Recent evidence suggests that gut microbiota-derived metabolites affect many biological processes in the host, including appetite control and weight management. For example, amino acids and their byproducts, lipids and lipid-like metabolites, bile acid derivatives, and other metabolites derived from the degradation of carnitine, choline, polyphenols, and purines are gut microbiota-derived metabolites. These metabolites can affect multiple metabolic pathways in the host, leading to obesity and obesity’s complications^[2].

How to Lose Weight?

Whether your metabolism is fast or slow, your body is designed to store excess energy in fat cells. So, if you eat and drink more calories than your body consumes, you gain weight. On the contrary, if you eat fewer calories than your body consumes, you'll lose weight. There are some methods can help you burn more calories.

Aerobic exercise

Aerobic exercise such as walking, cycling, and swimming are the most effective way to burn calories. At least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise a day is necessary if you want to lose weight.

Strength training

Strength training is benefit to increases muscle mass and burn more calories. Experts recommend strength training at least twice a week.

Lifestyle activities

Any extra activity helps burn calories, such as walking to work, taking the stairs, washing car and doing housework.

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References

1. Zwartjes, M.S.Z.; et al. The role of gut microbiota and its produced metabolites in obesity, dyslipidemia, adipocyte dysfunction, and its interventions. Metabolites. 2021, 11: 531.
2. Ejtahed, H.S.; et al. Gut microbiota-derived metabolites in obesity: a systematic review. Bioscience of Microbiota, Food and Health. 2020, 39 (3): 65-76.

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