The Role of Gut Microbiota in Pediatric Obesity and Metabolic Disorders: Insights from a Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Background: Pediatric obesity represents a multifactorial condition in which gut microbiota dysbiosis, low-grade systemic inflammation, and metabolic dysfunction are intricately connected. Objectives: This systematic review sought to evaluate and integrate current findings regarding the interactions between gut microbial composition, dietary influences, inflammatory status, and metabolic outcomes in obese pediatric populations. Methods: A comprehensive search of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases was conducted for studies published from January 2010 onward. Eligible studies comprised randomized controlled trials, and cohort, cross-sectional, and longitudinal designs involving individuals aged ≤18 years. Study quality was appraised using the NIH Study Quality Assessment Tool. Results: Sixteen studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Dysbiosis was consistently observed among obese children, characterized by alterations in microbial diversity and abundance associated with increased inflammation and adverse metabolic profiles. Dietary interventions, notably symbiotic supplementation and adherence to Mediterranean diet patterns, were associated with favorable modulation of gut microbiota and inflammatory parameters. The majority of studies demonstrated high methodological quality, although minor observational limitations were noted. Conclusions: Gut microbiota dysregulation plays a central role in the development of metabolic and inflammatory complications associated with pediatric obesity. Although dietary and microbiota-modifying strategies show therapeutic promise, their effectiveness must be substantiated through robust, long-term studies.

Keywords: dietary interventions; gut microbial composition; inflammatory and metabolic outcomes; microbiota-modifying strategies; pediatric obesity.

Figure 1

PRISMA 2020 flow diagram summarizing the selection process for studies included in the systematic review. The figure outlines the identification, screening, and eligibility assessment of studies investigating the association between gut microbiota, pediatric obesity, inflammation, and metabolic outcomes. Following predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, 16 high-quality studies were retained for qualitative synthesis.