Exercise prevents weight gain and alters the gut microbiota in a mouse model of high fat diet-induced obesity.

Background: Diet-induced obesity (DIO) is a significant health concern which has been linked to structural and functional changes in the gut microbiota. Exercise (Ex) is effective in preventing obesity, but whether Ex alters the gut microbiota during development with high fat (HF) feeding is unknown.

Objective: Determine the effects of voluntary Ex on the gastrointestinal microbiota in LF-fed mice and in HF-DIO.