Revolution in the fight against obesity: microbiome as the key to health!

Revolution in the fight against obesity: microbiome as the key to health!

On March 9, 2025, Bielefeld University published important findings on the treatment of obesity and the role of the microbiome in human health. The MATOMIC (Mathematical Modeling for Microbial Community Induced Metabolic Diseases) project is investigating how interactions in the intestinal microbiome can help combat obesity. Led by Professor Daniel Merkle and funded by Denmark's Novo Nordisk Foundation, the research aims to analyze chemical processes in the body and use mathematical models to better understand these interactions.

The microbiome plays a crucial role in health. Changes in microbiota composition are closely linked to obesity. An innovative therapeutic approach is fecal transplantation (FMT), in which the microbiome is transferred from lean individuals to obese recipients. However, previous attempts often failed due to incompatibilities between the microbiomes of donors and recipients.

Mathematical modeling and individuality

The MATOMIC project uses computer science methods to map chemical reactions in the microbiome. Graph grammars are used to represent chemical reactions as networks. Eight specific bacterial species are currently being examined in a bioreactor in order to be able to transfer findings to larger systems. The aim of the research is to develop personalized medical approaches, as each microbiome is unique.

Research is also making progress in combining modeling techniques with experimental cultivations, allowing validation of results. Merkle emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, which is promoted through regular meetings. This includes partnerships with institutes such as the Helmholtz Institute in Leipzig and the University of Vienna. Merkle also emphasizes the relevance of his other project, TACsy (Training Alliance for Computational Systems Chemistry), which promotes interdisciplinary training in computer science, chemistry and machine learning.

Global challenges of obesity

Around 2 billion people worldwide are affected by severe overweight and obesity, which has now reached pandemic proportions. Obesity promotes chronic diseases such as metabolic, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. The lack of long-term successful weight loss strategies is a major problem. Although bariatric surgery is the only treatment currently in use with proven long-term success, these procedures are costly, invasive and irreversible.

A research team led by Professor Wiebke Fenske from the University Hospital of Bonn is investigating the positive effects of bariatric surgery on metabolic function and body weight regulation. The study shows that the decimation of intestinal bacteria by antibiotics after surgery almost completely prevents the positive effects of the procedure. These results suggest that the beneficial effects of bariatric surgery are mediated via the gut microbiome.

Innovations in microbiome research

In recent years, microbiome research has gained enormous importance, which is also reflected in the number of publications. In 2008 there were still around 2,700 results for the term “microbiome” on PubMed; In 2018 there were already almost 50,000, and today there are over 144,000. Around 37,000 new publications were published last year alone. Research shows that microbial therapies could hold promise in treating obesity and in personalized medicine.

In addition, the microbiome is also of interest in other areas, such as psychiatric disorders, where the bidirectional influence between the intestine and the brain is being researched. Disturbances in this system can lead to mental illness, which shows how important a healthy microbiome is not only for physical but also for mental health.

In summary, the combination of advanced research on individual microbiome editing and new therapeutic approaches offers great hope for effectively combating obesity. The knowledge gained sets standards for the future of medical research and its application in practice.

For more information on these topics, you can consult the reports Bielefeld University, des Bonn University Hospital and the Microbiome Initiative consult.