13 Surprising Red Flags Your Microbiome is Out of Balance

2. Unexplained Weight Changes: The Microbial Influence

Unexpected weight gain or loss can also signal a microbiome imbalance. The gut bacteria influence how we store fat, regulate hunger hormones, and even how we extract calories from food. An overgrowth of certain bacteria can increase the absorption of calories, leading to weight gain. Conversely, a lack of diversity in gut bacteria can impair metabolism, making weight loss difficult. Research has shown that individuals with a more diverse microbiome tend to have a healthier weight profile. Thus, unexplained weight changes should not be dismissed as mere dietary issues but considered in the context of microbial health.