The Role Of Probiotics In Weight Management: Impact On Mental Health

Obesity is characterized by an excessive accumulation of body fat that occurs when energy intake exceeds energy expenditure. Consequently, approximately ۴۰% of the global population is affected by overweight or obesity. Overweight and obesity are becoming increasingly common and are referred to as a pandemic of the ۲۱st century. Obese individuals are often at a higher risk for depression and anxiety. Social pressure, humiliation, and social discrimination may lead to decreased self-esteem and the emergence of negative feelings. Additionally, hormonal and chemical changes associated with obesity can directly affect an individual’s psychological state. The primary causes of obesity syndrome include a sedentary lifestyle, excessive consumption of high-energy processed foods, and neglecting nutritious foods such as fermented foods containing probiotics. It is crucial to recognize that adhering to the principles of obesity psychology and behavioral therapy plays an essential role in treating these individuals and preventing the recurrence of obesity. The human gut microbiota controls fat storage by absorbing nutrients and producing and regulating energy in the body, and it significantly influences obesity, as the gut microbiota composition in obese individuals differs from that in lean individuals. The functioning of the gut can be disrupted by factors such as diseases, the use of antibiotics and medications, and an improper diet. The increase of certain microbial species, such as Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, disrupts energy balance, affects the overall metabolism, and leads to obesity. An improper diet and a lack of polysaccharides and dietary fibers in the gut lead to the production of short-chain fatty acids, such as acetate, propionate, and butyrate. Propionate is a significant energy source that is stored in the liver as a mixture of glucose and fat. Excess energy in the body contributes to obesity. Probiotics help maintain gut microbial health through various functions. Probiotics influence appetite, metabolic functions, and body weight by modulating the populations of inappropriate microorganisms in the gut and preventing the proliferation of harmful bacteria while preserving gut health, thereby stabilizing the beneficial gut microbiota. Different probiotics create