Abstract
Obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D) are two of the most common health problems in the world, particularly in adult Asians, with a significant impact on morbidity and mortality. Numerous studies have revealed that the gut microbiome of people with obesity and T2D differs significantly from those of healthy people. Those who suffer from certain illnesses often encounter disruption in their gut microbiome, leading to a decrease in richness diversity and diminished microbial activity. This disruption can also result in the loss of the gut mucosal barrier, increased gut permeability, and most likely, the development of a leaky gut. Recent studies have also emphasized the essential role of the gut microbiome in these conditions. However, conflicting findings were found between one study and another investigation. Therefore, this paper aims to provide an overview of gut microbiome characteristics in adult Asians with obesity, T2D, and the combination of both. In addition, this paper elaborates on the current understanding regarding the association of the gut microbiome with health status, thereby serving as a foundation for developing probiotics or prebiotics to modulate the gut microbiome and improve metabolic health.