Obesity Epidemic and Metabolic Consequences.

The obesity epidemic and its metabolic consequences are a major public health problem both in the USA and globally. While the underlying causes are multifactorial, dysregulations within the brain–gut–microbiome (BGM) system play a central role. Normal eating behavior is coordinated by the tightly regulated balance between intestinal, extraintestinal and central homeostatic and hedonic mechanisms, resulting in stable body weight. Although many Americans are looking for a simple solution for weight loss and decreasing their cardiovascular risk factors, most diet programs, which have recently increased in popularity, require a reduction in overall dietary intake.  Profound preclinical effects of intermittent fasting and time restricted eating on the gut microbiome and on host metabolism, mostly demonstrated in animal models and in a limited number of controlled human trials, have been reported.

Frank J, Gupta A, Osadchiy V, Mayer EA. Brain–Gut–Microbiome Interactions and Intermittent Fasting in Obesity. Nutrients. 2021; 13(2):584.

Here is yet another suggestion of the benefits of intermittent fasting and it appears as though this is partially related to alterations in the brain-gut-microbiome system.

Jason & Rita