Obesity is a growing problem worldwide, with the United States having one of the highest levels of obesity in the world. Low-grade chronic inflammation, often caused by dysfunction of white blood cells called monocytes, increases the risk of many health conditions in people with obesity. A small-scale study has found that some dietary interventions can enhance the function of mitochondria in monocytes, reduce inflammation and modify gut bacteria. Further research is needed to assess whether these findings may help in the treatment of obesity.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), worldwide obesity rates have more than doubled over the past 30 years, with 16% of adults now living with obesity globally. Formerly an issue in only high-income countries, such as the United States, where more than 40% of adults have obesity, the prevalence of obesity is now seen in middle-income countries as well. Obesity is linked to several health conditions, including type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and some cancers. Chronic low-grade inflammation is a feature of obesity, with monocytes playing a key role in this inflammation.
A small-scale clinical trial in Mexico found that some diets can improve the energy use of monocytes, leading to increased weight loss in participants with obesity. The study included 44 participants aged 18 to 60 with a BMI of 30 to 50 kg/m2, none of whom had chronic diseases or mental health conditions. The participants were divided into four treatment groups, each following a different diet for two months. The diets included calorie restriction, intermittent fasting, ketogenic diet, and normal ad libitum diet. The participants’ mitochondrial function in monocytes was assessed, along with analysis of their gut microbiota from stool samples.
The researchers found that participants following the calorie restricted, intermittent fasting, and ketogenic diets had significantly increased mitochondrial function in their monocytes. These diets also had a positive impact on gut bacteria in the participants. While the study findings are interesting, additional research is needed to verify them and understand the potential clinical significance. The study had a small and specific population group, preselecting healthy obese individuals without typical associated conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes, which may not reflect the general population.
Despite being a short-term, small-scale study, participants in the dietary interventions groups showed some health benefits, including weight loss, reduced visceral fat, and increased gut microbiota diversity compared to those on their normal diets. The study findings suggest that these interventions are worth exploring further for the management of obesity. The importance of considering changes in metabolic health in addition to weight loss when addressing obesity through dietary interventions was highlighted. The potential role of gut bacteria in regulating cellular functions and the influence of diet on this relationship were also highlighted in the study findings.
