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Here, Patrice Cani and colleagues discuss interactions between gut microorganisms, the endocannabinoid system and host metabolism, in the context of both physiology and pathophysiology. The authors highlight the importance of gut barrier function by discussing the role of specific factors involved in intestinal permeability and their role in the gut microbiota–endocannabinoid system axis. The therapeutic potential of targeting the endocannabinoid system to treat cardiometabolic disorders and intestinal inflammation is also discussed.

Toledo et al. show that metabolic hormones acting in the hypothalamus, along with direct manipulation of hypothalamic neurons, can drive remodelling of microbial communities in the gut within short periods of time.

This Review discusses the impact of the gut microbiota on cancer and on cancer therapy, highlighting the importance of developing microbiota-targeting strategies to improve cancer therapy outcomes

In 2013, studies in rodents and humans have reaffirmed the essential role of the gut microbiota in host metabolism. More importantly, several converging results have increased our knowledge regarding the taxa and functions of the gut microbiota that contribute to the management of energy homeostasis, glucose metabolism and metabolic inflammation.

Obesity is associated with altered N-acylethanolamine levels (NAE). Here the authors show that deletion of the gene encoding N-acylphosphatidylethanolamine phospholipase D, a key enzyme for NAE synthesis, in intestinal cells of mice leads to the development of obesity and hepatic steatosis via a mechanism involving the gut-brain axis.

Low doses of two commonly used dietary emulsifiers—carboxymethylcellulose and polysorbate-80—are reported to induce low-grade inflammation, metabolic disorders and increases in body weight in mice. These emulsifiers also promote colitis in mice that are susceptible to this disorder. Interestingly, changes in the gut microbiota were both necessary and sufficient to induce the metabolic alterations.

The gut microbiome has emerged as an important regulator of host physiology and disease, including metabolic diseases. Here Cani et al. provide a broad overview of mechanisms through which the gut microbiota affects metabolic regulation in the host.

Gut microbes are known to influence whole-body metabolism. Here Everard et al.show the adaptor protein MyD88 in intestinal epithelial cells is sensitive to changes in the diet and affects composition of the gut microbiota, which influences the development of obesity and associated diseases.

Endocannabinoids are bioactive lipid molecules produced in the body. Here, Geurts et al. create mice lacking the endocannabinoid-producing enzyme NAPE-PLD in adipocytes and report defects in adipose-induced browning, which are mediated by alterations in the gut microbiome.

Converging studies have shown that the gut microbiota composition and activity possibly contribute to shape host metabolism. A new study deeply analysed metabolic parameters in humans with obesity after short-term antibiotic exposure; the conclusion calls into doubt some direct and simple associations found between the gut microbiota and metabolic disorders

As understanding of the gut microbiota advances, the focus has shifted to ways to modulate the microbiota to improve health. One such strategy is the use of prebiotics. Here, Bindels and colleagues challenge the current definition of prebiotics, proposing revisions to the concept in an effort to strengthen the relevance of prebiotics as valuable therapeutic approaches.

Here, the authors characterize the structure of the Lipooligosaccharide of the gut symbiont Akkermansia muciniphila showing unique features and TLR4 and TLR2 signaling capacity, which underscore the beneficial properties of this bacterium.

By analysing microbial profiles in three adipose tissue depots and the liver and plasma of morbidly obese individuals, a new study uncovers a unique organ-specific microbial signature, or potential internal ‘tissue microbiota’, in obese people with diabetes.

It is commonly accepted that dietary habits and cardiometabolic disorders are connected to the composition of the gut microbiota. However, can we really generalize and predict health by screening faecal microorganisms? A study has taken the plunge and identified a vast range of correlations supporting this possibility.

This Review outlines evidence that the gut microbiota is involved in regulating body weight homeostasis. In addition, the opportunities, limitations and challenges of using gut microbiota-related approaches as a means to achieve and maintain a healthy body weight in people with overweight or obesity are discussed.

Supplementation with Akkermansia muciniphila, a gut microbe previously associated with metabolic health in preclinical models, is safe and well tolerated in humans and may improve metabolic parameters in overweight and obese patients.

In 2018, more than 4,000 publications were dedicated to the study of the gut microbiota, and an important proportion investigated cardiometabolic disorders associated with overweight and obesity. Novel mechanisms and strategies have emerged, some of which were focused not only on specific bacteria or nutrients, but also on new metabolites.

Growing evidence has associated the gut microbiota with the onset of inflammation, a common feature of both obesity and cancer. Here, Cani and Jordan review the links between the gut microbiota, metabolic disorders and the development of gastrointestinal cancer.

Akkermansia muciniphila, a member of the gut microbiome, has been shown to improve metabolism in mice. Here it is reported that its pasteurization further improves this effect, and that one of its membrane proteins by itself has a similar benefit.

Gut microbes act as an environmental factor that affects an individual's physiology and metabolism, particularly in the context of obesity and its related metabolic disorders. This Review highlights how gut microbes alter the expression of genes involved in the development of obesity and inflammation and focuses on the potential role of specific nutrients that target the gut microbiota.

Gut microbiota has a vital role in mechanisms involved in overweight and obesity, including host metabolism and energy expenditure. This Review describes the physiology of white and brown adipose tissue and provides timely insights into the gut microbiota–adipose tissue axis.

This Review covers the discovery of Akkermansia muciniphila and its association with health and disease, including metabolic diseases. Insights into underlying mechanisms for how A. muciniphila improves health are given as are comparisons with other next-generation beneficial microorganisms.

With the continued interest in the role of the gut microbiota in health, attention has now turned to how to harness the microbiota for the benefit of the host. This Consensus Statement outlines the definition and scope of the term 'prebiotic' as determined by an expert panel convened by the International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics in December 2016.