MyNewGut: Insulin resistance as key factor for linking modulation of gut microbiome to health claims and dietary recommendations to tackle obesity

Abstract Background: Current dietary recommendations addressing obesity do not as yet include recommendations pertaining to the gut microbiome, nor have microbiome-related health claims made on foods been proposed as yet. Scope: The EU FP7-funded MyNewGut project aims to develop guidance for the establishment of dietary recommendations related to the role microbiome in the onset and development of obesity. Key findings: Of all the physiological impacts resulting from changes in the microbiome, insulin resistance is the most direct diet-modifiable parameter related to obesity. Therefore, improving insulin resistance is considered to be the key health benefit conferred by the targeted modulation of the gut microbiome. Conclusions: In order to facilitate guidance for the development of public health and dietary recommendations, as well as for health claim substantiation related to the gut microbiome, foods containing microbiome-targeting dietary fibers and microorganisms will be developed and studies with these foods should provide for the total body of clinical evidence specifically addressing the central theme of ‘insulin resistance’ in obesity.