The role of gut microbiota in the resistance to obesity in mice fed a high fat diet

The prevalence of diet induced obesity (DIO) is a huge threat to global health. Differences in gut microbiota may be concerned with DIO. Sixty male C57BL/6J mice were fed with high fat diet (HFD, 45% kcal from fat) for 16 weeks. Among them, body weight, body fat rate and the lipid content in plasma or liver of six mice (Lean (L) group) were obviously lower than average levels (Fatty (F) group). These results supported that some individuals were resistant to HFD induced obesity. Using 16S rRNA analysis to investigate the role of gut microbiota in this resistance, we found several alterations associated with the resistance, such as an increase of Muribaculaceae in L group. Moreover, analysis of predicted microbial function suggested that bacteria in F group could better utilise HFD compared to L group. In conclusion, gut microbiota might play a bigger role than diet in resisting obesity, and it could be a potential target for obesity treatment.