Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Obesity and associated metabolic disorders have become a significant public health concern globally. The gut microbiota composition has been recognized as a key player in the development of obesity and related metabolic disturbances. Probiotics, known for their beneficial effects on gut health, have gained attention as potential therapeutic interventions for managing obesity and improving metabolic health. This thesis aims to investigate the impact of probiotics on gut microbiota composition and metabolic health in overweight individuals. Chapter one provides an introduction to the research topic, highlighting the background of the study, the problem statement, objectives, limitations, scope, significance, structure of the thesis, and definition of key terms. Chapter two presents a comprehensive literature review consisting of ten key areas related to probiotics, gut microbiota, obesity, and metabolic health. Chapter three outlines the research methodology, including study design, participant recruitment, probiotic intervention protocols, data collection methods, gut microbiota analysis techniques, metabolic health assessments, statistical analysis, and ethical considerations. This chapter aims to provide a detailed description of the research process to ensure the validity and reliability of the study findings. Chapter four presents a thorough discussion of the research findings, focusing on the impact of probiotics on gut microbiota composition and metabolic health parameters in overweight individuals. The chapter analyzes the data collected from the probiotic intervention and highlights any significant changes observed in gut microbiota diversity, metabolic markers, and anthropometric measurements. Finally, chapter five provides a conclusion and summary of the thesis, summarizing the key findings, implications for practice, limitations of the study, and recommendations for future research. The thesis concludes by emphasizing the potential of probiotics as a promising approach to modulate gut microbiota and improve metabolic health in overweight individuals, contributing to the growing body of evidence on the role of probiotics in obesity management. In conclusion, this thesis sheds light on the potential benefits of probiotics in modulating gut microbiota composition and improving metabolic health in overweight individuals. The findings underscore the importance of further research in this area to explore the full therapeutic potential of probiotics in combating obesity and related metabolic disorders.

Thesis Overview

The project titled "The Impact of Probiotics on Gut Microbiota Composition and Metabolic Health in Overweight Individuals" aims to investigate the potential benefits of probiotics in improving gut microbiota composition and metabolic health among overweight individuals. Obesity is a growing global health concern associated with various metabolic disorders, including insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Emerging evidence suggests that alterations in gut microbiota composition, characterized by dysbiosis, play a significant role in the pathogenesis of obesity and related metabolic complications. Probiotics, defined as live microorganisms that confer health benefits when administered in adequate amounts, have been proposed as a potential intervention to modulate gut microbiota and improve metabolic health. This research will delve into the mechanisms through which probiotics influence gut microbiota composition and metabolic health in overweight individuals. By conducting a systematic review of existing literature, the project aims to explore the efficacy of different probiotic strains, dosages, and duration of intervention in modulating gut microbiota diversity and metabolic parameters such as body weight, glucose metabolism, lipid profile, and inflammatory markers. The study will further investigate the impact of probiotics on gut barrier function, mucosal immunity, and the production of short-chain fatty acids, which are essential metabolites derived from gut microbial fermentation. Understanding the interplay between probiotics, gut microbiota, and host metabolism is crucial for developing targeted interventions to combat obesity and its associated comorbidities. The findings of this research have the potential to contribute valuable insights into the therapeutic use of probiotics as a non-invasive and cost-effective strategy to improve gut health and metabolic outcomes in overweight individuals. Ultimately, this project aims to bridge the gap between basic science research and clinical applications, paving the way for personalized nutrition interventions tailored to address the intricate relationship between the gut microbiota and metabolic health in the context of obesity.