Recently, the gut microbiota has been identified as a significant risk factor associated with metabolic disorders related to obesity. Advances in high-throughput sequencing technology have clarified the relationship between childhood obesity and changes in the gut microbiota. This commentary focuses on analyzing the study by Li et al, which utilized 16S rRNA molecular markers to compare differences in gut microbiota between obese and normal-weight children. Additionally, the review by Pan et al is referenced to supplement perspectives and evaluate the findings of this study. We also analyze the strengths and limitations of the original study and suggest potential research directions to elucidate the complex relationship between gut microbiota and childhood obesity, thereby providing a scientific basis for developing effective prevention and treatment strategies.

Although 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing has become an indispensable method for microbiome studies, this analysis is not error-free, and remains prone to several biases and errors. Numerous algorithms have been developed to eliminate these errors and consolidate the output into distance-based Operational Taxonomic Units (OTUs) or denoising-based Amplicon Sequence Variants (ASVs). An objective comparison between them has been obscured by various experimental setups and parameters. In the present study, we conducted a comprehensive benchmarking analysis of the error rates, microbial composition, over-merging/over-splitting of reference sequences, and diversity analyses using the most complex mock community, comprising 227 bacterial strains and the Mockrobiota database. Using unified preprocessing steps, we were able to compare DADA2, Deblur, MED, UNOISE3, UPARSE, DGC (Distance-based Greedy Clustering), AN (Average Neighborhood), and Opticlust objectively.

ASV algorithms-led by DADA2- resulted in having a consistent output, yet suffered from over-splitting, while OTU algorithms-led by UPARSE-achieved clusters with lower errors, yet with more over-merging. Notably, UPARSE and DADA2 showed the closest resemblance to the intended microbial community, especially when considering measures for alpha and beta diversity.

Our unbiased comparative evaluation examined the performance of eight algorithms dedicated to the analysis of 16S rRNA amplicon sequences with a wide range of mock datasets. Our analysis shed light on the pros and cons of each algorithm and the accuracy of the produced OTUs or ASVs. The utilization of the most complex mock community and the benchmarking comparison presented here offer a framework for the comparison between OTU/ASV algorithms and an objective method for the assessment of new tools and algorithms.

The preterm infant misses fetal nutrition, and the nutritional deficit is proportional to the degree of preterm birth with very preterm infants demonstrating the greatest need for supplemental nutrition to overcome deficiencies. Preterm infants' growth patterns are linked to both their risk for neurodevelopmental difficulties and to the development of obesity. Therefore, establishing healthy growth patterns by providing the best nutrition both in the hospital and post-hospital discharge is critical for long-term health. Despite numerous clinical trials, uncertainty persists as to the duration of nutritional supplement, the degree of benefit of maternal milk feedings, and the best short-term measures of growth and body composition to predict long-term outcomes. As more is learned about optimal post-discharge nutrition, it is very likely that best practice in post-discharge nutrition will include use of a standardized approach to deliver individualized care.

Increasing prevalence of childhood obesity has emerged as a critical global public health concern. Recent studies have challenged the previous belief that obesity was solely a result of excessive caloric intake. Alterations in early-life gut microbiota can contribute to childhood obesity through their influence on nutrient absorption and metabolism, initiation of inflammatory responses, and regulation of gut-brain communication. The gut microbiota is increasingly acknowledged to play a crucial role in human health, as certain beneficial bacteria have been scientifically proven to possess the capacity to reduce body fat content and enhance intestinal barrier function and their metabolic products to exhibit anti-inflammatory effect. Examples of such microbes include bifidobacteria, Akkermansia muciniphila, and Lactobacillus reuteri. In contrast, an increase in Enterobacteriaceae and propionate-producing bacteria (Prevotellaceae and Veillonellaceae) has been implicated in the induction of low-grade systemic inflammation and disturbances in lipid metabolism, which can predispose individuals to obesity. Studies have demonstrated that modulating the gut microbiota through diet, lifestyle changes, prebiotics, probiotics, or fecal microbiota transplantation may contribute to gut homeostasis and the management of obesity and its associated comorbidities. This review aimed to elucidate the impact of alterations in gut microbiota composition during early life on childhood obesity and explores the mechanisms by which gut microbiota contributes to the pathogenesis of obesity and specifically focused on recent advances in using short-chain fatty acids for regulating gut microbiota and ameliorating obesity. Additionally, it aimed to discuss the therapeutic strategies for childhood obesity from the perspective of gut microbiota, aiming to provide a theoretical foundation for interventions targeting pediatric obesity based on gut microbiota.

Introduction Emerging evidence suggests an association between obesity and Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders (FGIDs). Childhood obesity and FGIDs share many common features, such as high prevalence in the pediatric population, risk factors related to diet and lifestyle, gut microbiota impairments, and psychological distress. This narrative review aims to summarize the main evidence regarding FGIDs in childhood obesity, with a specific focus on the role of diet and its impact on the microbiota. Additionally, the review highlights potential common-ground solutions for preventing and managing both obesity and FGIDs. Methods A comprehensive PubMed search was conducted. Keywords used included terms related to children and adolescents, obesity, functional gastrointestinal disorders, and microbiota. Results The review emphasizes the importance of holistic, multidisciplinary approaches to managing symptoms. In addition to nutrition education, physical activity, and medical care, complementary strategies such as psychological interventions and personalized dietary modifications (e.g., low-FODMAP and fiber-enriched diets) are critical. Given the interplay between gut microbiota alterations, obesity, and FGIDs, microbiota modulation through probiotics, prebiotics, and integrative support shows significant promise. However, the variability in current evidence underlines the need for robust longitudinal studies to develop standardized protocols and maximize treatment efficacy. Conclusions Bridging gaps in knowledge and practice with an integrated, evidence-based framework could improve patient outcomes and deepen understanding of the complex relationship between metabolic and gastrointestinal health in children and adolescents.

In recent years, the prevalence of childhood obesity has escalated alarmingly, posing significant threats to the physical and mental well-being of children, with an elevated likelihood of persisting into adulthood. Notably, recent investigations have uncovered a profound association between intestinal microbiota, a crucial component of the internal milieu, and childhood obesity. Disturbances in intestinal microbiota and their by-products are now understood to be profoundly intertwined with the evolutionary pathway of childhood obesity. Bibliometric analysis offers a deep understanding of the current research landscape, so we apply it to a review of the emerging trends and patterns between childhood obesity and gut microbiota.

We conducted a rigorous and extensive search of the Web of Science (WoS) Core Collection database, spanning the years from 1900 to 2023, to analyze scholarly articles pertaining to childhood obesity and gut microbiota. Utilizing VOSviewer, CiteSpace, the R package "bibliometrix," and the online bibliometric analysis platform (https://bibliometric.com/), we delved into the intricate details of research hotspots, academic collaborations, and emerging trends within this domain.

The exhaustive search encompassed the globe, uncovering a cumulative total of 1,384 pertinent studies originating from 429 nations. The results were compelling, revealing a profound influence exerted by the United States and China in this specific field of research. Furthermore, it was observed that the volume of scholarly works pertaining to childhood obesity and gut microbiota is steadily growing year on year. The current hot topics in this field include "abuse," "maltreatment," "adverse childhood experiences," "students," and "food addiction".

This comprehensive review offers a meticulous exploration of the evolving trends and emerging research agendas pertaining to childhood obesity and gut microbiota over the past two decades. It strives to equip researchers with a thorough understanding of the key nations, institutions, journals, and potential collaborators in these specialized fields. Additionally, it sheds light on the current frontiers of research and strategic avenues for further exploration, thus serving as an invaluable resource for scholars delving deeper into the intricacies of childhood obesity and the gut microbiome.

Childhood obesity is a critical global health concern with rising prevalence and significant long-term health implications. Recent studies have implicated gut microbiota in the development and progression of obesity. This editorial analyzes the research conducted by Li et al, who utilized 16S rRNA gene sequencing to compare the gut microbiome of overweight and healthy-weight children. The study found significant differences in microbial diversity and composition between the two groups, with potential implications for understanding and managing childhood obesity. We analyzed the study's advantages and drawbacks, proposing potential areas for future research to better understand the connection between gut microbiota and obesity.