Gut Microbiome

Your gut is home to trillions of bacteria, collectively known as the gut microbiome. These microbes help digest food, produce vitamins, and influence your metabolism. An imbalanced gut microbiome can contribute to weight gain and difficulty losing weight.

The gut microbiome refers to the diverse community of microorganisms residing in the gastrointestinal tract, comprising over 1,000 bacterial species. Research demonstrates that the ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes phyla correlates with obesity, and microbial metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids modulate host energy harvest, insulin sensitivity, and inflammatory pathways.

Emerging research links gut health to sustainable weight management. At Accord Medical Clinic, Dr. Joseph Wang considers gut health as part of a comprehensive weight management strategy, especially for patients who struggle despite conventional diet and exercise.