Reversing the De-Evolution of Our Gut Flora to Combat Obesity and its Comorbidities

Heidi L Rowles

Abstract

Obesity has become a global epidemic, resulting in an increase in obesity-related illnesses and an astounding estimate of 147 million dollars for medically-related costs in the U.S. in 2008. According to the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, less than 15% of the U.S. population was obese in 1990. That percentage grew to over 25% in 2010 and in 2016, 69% of adults in the U.S. were overweight and 36% were obese. There are a number of genetic and environmental factors that can lead to obesity, but a decrease in the diversity of gut bacteria caused by antibiotics and emulsifiers has also been shown to be related to the increase in obesity. Antibiotics and emulsifiers were introduced commercially at roughly the same time (early to mid-1900s) and from that time, there began to be an increase in the prevalence of obesity and its comorbidities. An increase in the diversity of gut bacteria is needed to help combat obesity. Studies have shown that increasing the diversity of the microbiome leads to decreased gastrointestinal symptoms and lowered levels of obesity. Increasing the density and diversity of the gut bacteria is a natural way to combat obesity and improve overall health.