Question

How does abdominal fat lead to increased risk for chronic diseases by disrupting the balance of bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract

Answer 1

The gastro-nintestinal tract contains many different bacterial flora that stabilize since the time of birth. Diet plays a very important role in keeping a check on the type and number of flora in the gut. Any change in the controlled diet will change the composition of the flora which will change the functions and lead to other gut-related problems.

So, a diet rich in fat or unsaturated fatty acids will lead to the accumulation of visceral fat in teh intra-abdominal area. This will cause a change in flora composition in the gastro-intestinal tract. Usually, there is an increase in the Firmicutes composition and decreases the diversity of flora in the gut. This consistent decrease and change in the gut flora will lead to chronic diseases of the gastro-intestinal tract.