Gut healthDigestive healthWeight loss

How can intestinal bacteria affect your weight?

You have trillions of bacteria living in your intestines. Most of them are beneficial bugs, breaking down food and helping you absorb nutrients. Michael Roizen, MD, explains the wrong mix of gut bacteria could be making you fat.


LearnDigestive healthGut healthHow can intestinal bacteria affect your weight?

Up Next

  • Why is the health of your gut so important?

  • What role do bacteria play in the gut?

  • 6 tips for a healthier gut

  • How do probiotics work?

  • How does what I eat affect the good bacteria in my gut?

  • Can probiotic supplements actually be harmful to your gut?

  • How to stop weekend weight gain

  • Could losing weight help with heartburn?

  • 5 foods that boost weight loss

  • What are probiotics?

Up Next

  • Why is the health of your gut so important?

  • What role do bacteria play in the gut?

  • 6 tips for a healthier gut

  • How do probiotics work?

  • How does what I eat affect the good bacteria in my gut?

  • Can probiotic supplements actually be harmful to your gut?

  • How to stop weekend weight gain

  • Could losing weight help with heartburn?

  • 5 foods that boost weight loss

  • What are probiotics?

AskMDAskMD

Want to learn about Gut health?

Get instant answers from our AI health assistant

Ask Now

Recommended for you

There's a universe of good bacteria living in your digestive tract. Here's what to feed them.

The best foods for good gut bacteria
Article

Keeping your gut bacteria happy may lead to better overall health.

5 worst things you're doing to your gut
Slideshow

Your gut is responsible for more than digestion; it can reveal illness, too.

4 ways your gut affects your health
Slideshow

The kinds of foods you eat—and what you feed your body’s friendly bacteria—may matter just as much as how many calories you take in.

How to choose the right foods to fuel your weight loss
Article

Try these delicious tips to bring variety to your meals and help you reach your weight goals.

6 meal-preparation tips to reduce calories and still feel satisfied
Article
AskMDHow can I be more consistent?
AskMD by Sharecare LogoAskMD by Sharecare Logo
Privacy policyConsumer health data privacyTerms of use
Cookie policyYour privacy choices

© 2026 Sharecare, Inc.

ask-mdask-md
AskMD by Sharecare LogoAskMD by Sharecare Logo
Privacy policyConsumer health data privacyTerms of use
Cookie policyYour privacy choices

© 2026 Sharecare, Inc.