The Genetic and Microbial Influences in Obesity and Obesity Management

Genetics and the intestinal microbiome play key roles in the development of obesity and obesity-associated medical conditions. Twin studies as well as genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have highlighted specific genes and their variations that are associated with obesity. In addition to genetics, diet and gut microbiota have a complex interaction that propagates the development of obesity and features of metabolic syndrome. Bariatric surgery including sleeve gastrectomy and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass have demonstrated the ability to alter intestinal pH, nutrient exposure, the composition of the gut microbiome, and enterohepatic bile acid pool thereby contributing to the basis for potential mechanisms of reversing the pathogenesis of obesity.