Obesity alters gut microbial ecology Obesity is associated with changes in the composition of the gut microbiota, which may influence energy balance. In a study of genetically obese ob/ob mice, lean ob/+ mice, and their mothers, researchers found that the abundance of Bacteroidetes was reduced by 50% in obese mice, while the abundance of Firmicutes increased proportionally. These changes occurred at the division level and were not influenced by kinship or gender. The findings suggest that obesity affects the diversity of the gut microbiota and may be a factor in energy homeostasis. The gut microbiota plays a role in extracting calories from dietary polysaccharides and regulating energy storage. Differences in gut microbial ecology between humans may contribute to the development of obesity. The study highlights the importance of understanding the relationship between the gut microbiota and host energy balance, and suggests that manipulating the microbial community may be useful for regulating energy balance in obese individuals. The research provides insights into the role of the gut microbiota in obesity and may lead to new approaches for treating this condition.Obesity alters gut microbial ecology Obesity is associated with changes in the composition of the gut microbiota, which may influence energy balance. In a study of genetically obese ob/ob mice, lean ob/+ mice, and their mothers, researchers found that the abundance of Bacteroidetes was reduced by 50% in obese mice, while the abundance of Firmicutes increased proportionally. These changes occurred at the division level and were not influenced by kinship or gender. The findings suggest that obesity affects the diversity of the gut microbiota and may be a factor in energy homeostasis. The gut microbiota plays a role in extracting calories from dietary polysaccharides and regulating energy storage. Differences in gut microbial ecology between humans may contribute to the development of obesity. The study highlights the importance of understanding the relationship between the gut microbiota and host energy balance, and suggests that manipulating the microbial community may be useful for regulating energy balance in obese individuals. The research provides insights into the role of the gut microbiota in obesity and may lead to new approaches for treating this condition.