Physical exercise positively affects gut health in patients with metabolic diseases

Engaging in moderate- or high-intensity aerobic exercises for at least 6 weeks may positively modulate the composition of gut microbiota in patients with metabolic diseases, as shown in a study.

Researchers performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies investigating the effect of physical exercise on gut microbiota in patients with obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Literature search using multiple online databases led to the identification of eight clinical studies for inclusion in the meta-analysis.

Of the studies, six involved individuals with obesity and two included patients with T2DM. Pooled data from studies conducted in individuals with obesity showed that exercise was able to positively modulate the diversity of gut microbiota. Exercising led to an abundance of some species of bacteria, mostly by increasing the Bifidobacteriaceae family and the Bacteroides and Akkermansia genera, as well as by reducing the Proteobacteria phylum.

Meanwhile, for patients with T2DM, physical exercise was found to lower metabolic endotoxemia markers. The effect was most pronounced for moderate-to-high intensity aerobic exercises carried out for at least 6 weeks.

Playing an essential role in maintaining health, the gut microbiota, when in the state of imbalance, is associated with the physiopathogenesis of metabolic diseases, such as obesity and T2DM. The present data suggest that physical activity can favourably affect the diversity and abundance of hindgut bacteria.