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Microbiota (Symbiotic organisms)

Exercise Modulation of Gut Microbiota in Individuals with Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Fresh data on the impact of exercise on gut microbiota in individuals with obesity and type 2 diabetes has been presented in a systematic review and meta-analysis. The study, conducted by researchers from East China Normal University, aimed to evaluate the effects of exercise on gut microbiota in individuals with obesity and type 2 diabetes, including alpha-diversity indices and taxonomic composition. The analysis of 19 studies involving 1,062 participants showed that exercise significantly increased the Shannon index in both the obesity group and the type 2 diabetes group, with combined exercise producing more pronounced effects than aerobic exercise alone.

Key Takeaways:

  • Exercise significantly increased the Shannon index in both the obesity group (SMD = 0.40 [0.15, 0.65], p = 0.002) and the type 2 diabetes group (SMD = 0.48 [0.08, 0.88], p = 0.02).
  • The Chao1 index showed a significant improvement in individuals with obesity (SMD = 0.45 [0.06, 0.85], p = 0.03).
  • Combined exercise produced more pronounced effects than aerobic exercise alone in both the obesity group (SMD = 0.42, p = 0.02) and the type 2 diabetes group (SMD = 0.69, p = 0.04).
  • Younger individuals showed more pronounced effects of exercise on gut microbiota than older individuals.
  • The effects of exercise on gut microbiota were more pronounced in individuals with obesity and type 2 diabetes who engaged in combined exercise.
  • Future research should further investigate the effects of personalized exercise strategies on gut microbiota in individuals with obesity and type 2 diabetes.

Statistics:

  • 19 studies were included in the meta-analysis, involving 1,062 participants.
  • Exercise significantly increased the Shannon index in both the obesity group (SMD = 0.40 [0.15, 0.65], p = 0.002) and the type 2 diabetes group (SMD = 0.48 [0.08, 0.88], p = 0.02).
  • The Chao1 index showed a significant improvement in individuals with obesity (SMD = 0.45 [0.06, 0.85], p = 0.03).
  • Subgroup analyses indicated that combined exercise produced more pronounced effects than aerobic exercise alone in both the obesity group (SMD = 0.42, p = 0.02) and the type 2 diabetes group (SMD = 0.69, p = 0.04).

Sources:

  • Exercise-induced modulation of gut microbiota in individuals with obesity and type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Frontiers in Microbiology, 2025;16:1671975.
  • East China Normal University, Key Laboratory of Adolescent Health Assessment and Exercise Intervention of the Ministry of Education, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
  • Frontiers Media Sa, Avenue Du Tribunal Federal 34, Lausanne, Ch-1015, Switzerland.

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