The gut microbiome and regional fat distribution: Findings from the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging
Authors' conclusion
Microbiome diversity and composition, in particular higher abundance of Ruminococcus gnavus, were associated with greater trunk fat, in addition to other measures of obesity. Longitudinal studies are needed to replicate these findings, and if replicated, randomized trials are needed to determine whether interventions targeting microbiome features such as abundance of Ruminococcus gnavus can lead to reductions in trunk fat and its metabolic sequelae.
Study context
- Population
- Community-based cohort, Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging; 55.2% female, 65.9% White
- Participants
- 815 participants
- Outcome
- Associations of gut microbiome diversity and composition with regional fat distribution (trunk and leg fat), BMI and waist circumference
Methodological detailscommunity-based cohort, whole-genome shotgun metagenomic sequencing, DXA-measured regional fat, multivariable-adjusted
- Community-based cohort
- Whole-genome shotgun metagenomic sequencing
- DXA-measured regional fat
- Multivariable-adjusted
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
Microbiome structure, diversity and species abundance vs regional fat and anthropometry
- Bacterial species significantly associated with ≥1 measure of body composition or anthropometry
- 11
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Original publication
The gut microbiome and regional fat distribution: Findings from the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging. Obesity (Silver Spring). Published 4 April 2023. doi:10.
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