The role of gut microbiota in pediatric obesity: Mechanisms and therapeutic potential

Pediatric obesity is a growing global concern, with multifactorial etiologies that include genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Emerging evidence highlights the critical role of gut microbiota in the pathogenesis of obesity, particularly in children. This narrative review explores the intricate relationship between gut microbiota and pediatric obesity, emphasizing dysbiosis, microbial metabolites, and potential therapeutic interventions. Studies reveal that gut microbiota can modulate energy metabolism, regulate inflammatory responses, and influence fat storage through complex biochemical pathways. Additionally, alterations in microbial diversity and composition have been linked to metabolic disorders commonly associated with obesity, such as insulin resistance and chronic low-grade inflammation. Novel therapies, including prebiotics, probiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation, show promise but require further validation through large-scale clinical trials. This review consolidates current knowledge, offering a foundation for future clinical applications targeting gut microbiota in the management of pediatric obesity while identifying critical gaps for further research.