Obesity, Early Life Gut Microbiota, and Antibiotics

Abstract

Obesity is a major public health problem that continues to be one of the leading risk factors for premature death. Early life is a critical period of time when the gut microbiota and host metabolism are developing in tandem and significantly contribute to long-term health outcomes. Dysbiosis of the gut microbiota, particularly in early life, can have detrimental effects on host health and increase the susceptibility of developing obesity later in life. Antibiotics are an essential lifesaving treatment; however, their use in early life may not be without risk. Antibiotics are a leading cause of intestinal dysbiosis, and early life administration is associated with obesity risk. The following review explores the relevant literature that simultaneously examines antibiotic-induced dysbiosis and obesity risk. Current evidence suggests that disruptions to the composition and maturation of the gut microbiota caused by antibiotic use in early life are a key mechanism linking the association between antibiotics and obesity. Without compromising clinical practice, increased consideration of the long-term adverse effects of antibiotic treatment on host health, particularly when used in early life is warranted. Novel adjunct interventions should be investigated (e.g., prebiotics) to help mitigate metabolic risk when antibiotic treatment is clinically necessary.

Keywords: antibiotics; early-life; gut microbiota; infancy; obesity risk.