Combined Physical Exercise and Diet: Regulation of Gut Microbiota to Prevent and Treat of Metabolic Disease: A Review

Background: Unhealthy diet and sedentary lifestyle have contributed to the rising incidence of metabolic diseases, which is also accompanied by the shifts of gut microbiota architecture. The gut microbiota is a complicated and volatile ecosystem and can be regulated by diet and physical exercise. Extensive research suggests that diet alongside physical exercise interventions exert beneficial effects on metabolic diseases by regulating gut microbiota, involving in the changes of the energy metabolism, immune regulation, and the microbial-derived metabolites. Objective: In this review, we present the latest evidence in the modulating role of diet and physical exercise in the gut microbiota and its relevance to metabolic diseases. We also summarize the research from animal and human studies on improving metabolic diseases through diet-plus-exercise interventions, and new targeted therapies that might provide a better understanding of the potential mechanisms. Methods: A systematic and comprehensive literature search was performed in PubMed/Medline and Web of Science in October 2022. The key terms used in the searches included “combined physical exercise and diet”, “physical exercise, diet and gut microbiota”, “physical exercise, diet and metabolic diseases” and “physical exercise, diet, gut microbiota and metabolic diseases”. Conclusions: Combined physical exercise and diet offer a more efficient approach for preventing metabolic diseases via the modification of gut microbiota, abating the burden related to longevity.