Interventional approaches to combat obesity: Exploring the metabolomic signature of weight loss trials

Abstract

Obesity is characterized by the expansion of adipose tissue, contributing to systemic low-grade inflammation, insulin resistance, and widespread disruption of metabolic pathways. These pathophysiological changes are strongly linked to the development of several chronic conditions, including metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain forms of cancer. Metabolomics have emerged as a powerful analytical approach for elucidating obesity-related metabolic disturbances at both the cellular and systemic levels, enabling the identification of specific metabolic signatures associated with disease risk and progression.

This narrative review synthesizes findings from interventional weight loss studies that addressed obesity using various strategies, including dietary modification, physical activity, pharmacotherapy, and bariatric surgery. Focusing on studies employing metabolomic techniques, this review highlights both consistent and divergent patterns in metabolite changes observed following weight loss, particularly in the metabolism of amino acids, lipids, short-chain fatty acids, and other metabolic pathways affected by each intervention. These insights have the potential to inform the development of more personalized and effective therapeutic approaches for obesity, thereby advancing the implementation of precision medicine in obesity management.