Structured exercise alters the gut microbiota in humans with overweight and obesity—A randomized controlled trial
Abstract
Objectives Studies suggest that exercise affects the composition and function of the human gut microbiota, yet this has not been investigated in a randomized controlled trial. The primary aim of this study was to assess if exercise alters the diversity, composition and functional potential of the gut microbiota in free-living humans. A secondary aim was to test whether alpha diversity was associated with phenotypical outcomes.Methods Eighty eight participants with overweight or obesity completed a 6-month randomized controlled trial with 4 arms; habitual living (CON), active commuting by bike (BIKE) and leisure-time exercise of moderate (MOD) or vigorous intensity (VIG). Faecal samples for 16 s rRNA gene amplicon sequencing were collected prior to randomization and again after 3 and 6 months, with simultaneous registration of phenotypical outcomes and diet.Results Shannon's diversity index increased by 5% in VIG (CI95 1-9%, P = 0.012) at 3 months compared with CON. No associations were observed between alpha diversity and phenotypical outcomes. Beta diversity changed in all exercise groups compared with CON, particularly the participants in VIG showed decreased heterogeneity. No genera changed significantly. The inferred functional potential of the microbiota in the exercise groups was increased, primarily at 3 months and in MOD.Conclusion Structured exercise induced subtle changes to the human gut microbiota. Cardiorespiratory fitness and fat mass were not associated with alpha diversity.
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In the Kern study, beta diversity changed in all exercise groups compared to control, with participants in the vigorous intensity group showing decreased heterogeneity.
“Beta diversity changed in all exercise groups compared to control, with participants in the vigorous intensity group showing decreased heterogeneity.”
From The athletic gut microbiota (2020) · cites this paper as [108]
In the Kern study, the vigorous exercise group experienced a greater increase in alpha diversity at 3 months compared to control.
“the vigorous exercise group experienced a greater increase in alpha diversity at 3 months compared to control.”
From The athletic gut microbiota (2020) · cites this paper as [108]
More intense exercise may be needed to induce change in the gut microbiota in sedentary, overweight/obese subjects.
“More intense exercise may be needed to induce change in the gut microbiota in sedentary, overweight/obese subjects.”
From The athletic gut microbiota (2020) · cites this paper as [108]
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“Kern et al., 2019, Denmark [108] Overweight/obese males and females; n = 88; 20–45 years Randomized controlled trial, parallel group design 16S rRNA gene amplification of the V4 region Exercise groups: • Habitual living (CON), • Active commuting by bike (BIKE) • Leisure-time exercise of moderate intensity (MOD) 6 mont…”
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- Authors
- Kern, T., Blond, M. B., Hansen, T. H., Rosenkilde, M., Quist, J. S., Gram, A. S., Ekstrøm, C. T., Hansen, T., & Stallknecht, B.
- Affiliations
- University of Copenhagen (DK)
- Corresponding author
- Kern, Timo
- ORCID
- Venue
- International Journal of Obesity
- Published
- 2019-08-29
- Volume
- 44
- Issue
- 1
- Pages
- 125-135
- ISSN
- 0307-0565 (ISSN-L)
- 1476-5497
- OpenAlex
- W2971231411
- Cited by
- 130
- References
- 60
- Citations by year
- 2026: 15 · 2025: 18 · 2024: 28 · 2023: 16 · 2022: 23 · 2021: 23 · 2020: 7
- FWCI
- 4.39
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- International Journal of Obesity (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Research at the University of Copenhagen (University of Copenhagen) (submittedVersion)
- Topics
- Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Molecular Biology › Gut microbiota and health
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Gastroenterology › Gastrointestinal motility and disorders
- Life Sciences › Agricultural and Biological Sciences › Food Science › Probiotics and Fermented Foods
- Keywords
- structured exercise, gut microbiota, obesity, overweight, alpha diversity, beta diversity, functional potential, active commuting, cycling, leisure-time exercise, exercise intensity, cardiorespiratory fitness, fat mass
- MeSH terms
- Gastrointestinal Microbiome, Adult, Female, Humans, Male, Obesity, Exercise, Overweight
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