Precision nutrition targeting the gut microbiota for weight management: mechanisms and applications

The gut microbiota, a highly individualized microbial community, is increasingly recognized for its role in weight regulation and metabolic health. This narrative review examines the bidirectional associations between gut microbiota and weight management, focusing on mechanisms involving energy metabolism, immune modulation, inflammatory responses, and appetite control. We also explore the interplay between gut microbiota and host genetic/epigenetic factors in obesity development. The review discusses how precision nutrition interventions may modulate gut microbiota composition to support personalized weight management strategies. Furthermore, we address the integration of artificial intelligence and multi-omics technologies, outlining current challenges and future directions. This review aims to provide a theoretical foundation for translating gut microbiota-targeted precision nutrition into clinical and research settings for effective weight management.