PhD defence Manali Ali Ahmad

Keywords: Gut microbiota, Obesity, Gut hormones, Metabolic health

"Gut Microbiota, Gut Peptides, and Hormonal Regulation in Obesity Comparative Insights from Emirati and Lebanese Cohorts"

This thesis investigated how gut bacteria and gut-derived hormones are related to obesity and metabolic health in Arab populations, focusing on Emirati and Lebanese adults. Obesity is a complex condition influenced not only by diet and lifestyle but also by biological systems inside the body. This research showed that both gut microbiota and hormone profiles differ between individuals with obesity and those with normal weight. Importantly, the findings suggest that these patterns are not universal and may vary depending on population, lifestyle, and cultural context. Changes in these biological systems were also observed after bariatric surgery (weight los surgery), highlighting their role in weight loss and metabolic improvement. Overall, this work emphasizes the importance of considering population-specific factors when studying obesity and supports the potential of personalized nutrition and treatment strategies targeting the gut.

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