Approaches for development of anti-obesity agents using natural compounds and microbiota modification

Obesity is closely related to the development of several metabolic syndromes such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, also cancer and inflammatory diseases. The incidence of obesity is rapidly increasing and hence is becoming a major public health concern. Dietary treatment and lifestyle modifications have been attracting many researchers' attentions as a method to improve obesity. A lot of interest on the potential role of natural products has been also taken to treat obesity. In addition, nowadays, microbiota modification through probiotic supplementation has been attempted to counteract obesity. Here, we review the current understanding of adipocyte biology, discuss mechanisms of action against obesity, and describe molecular targets for development of anti-obesity agents. In addition, we describe an implication of intestinal microbiota composition in obesity.