Obesity has been associated with structural and functional changes in the gut microbiota. The abundance in, and diversity of, certain bacteria may favor energy harvest and metabolic pathways leading to obesity. Therefore, gut microbiota has become a potential target that can be manipulated to obtain optimal health. Probiotics have been shown to influence the composition of the gut microbiota, improve gut integrity, and restore the microbial shifts characteristic of obesity. Based on physical and biochemical parameters, metabolic and inflammatory markers, and alterations in gut microbe diversity, animal studies revealed beneficial results in obese models whereas the results in humans are sparse and inconsistent. Thus, the purpose of this review is to present evidence from animal studies and human clinical trials demonstrating the effects of various probiotic strains and their potential efficacy in improving obesity and associated metabolic dysfunctions. Furthermore, the review discusses current gaps in our understanding of how probiotics modulate gut microflora to protect against obesity. Finally, we propose future studies and methodological approaches that may shed light on the challenges facing the scientific community in deciphering the host–bacteria interaction in obesity.

Hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia is a condition linked to several genetic, metabolic, and growth disorders in which there is dysregulated insulin secretion. In infants, an inappropriately persistent hypoglycemic and hypoketotic state can cause severe brain injury leading to epilepsy, cerebral palsy, and neurodevelopmental disabilities due to the lack of glucose and ketone substrate to serve as fuel for the developing brain. The most common cause of persistent hypoglycemia in neonates and children has been found to be congenital hyperinsulinism. Here, we report a child with a unique presentation, found to have a novel genetic variant as the underlying cause of hyperinsulinism. This case study highlights the importance of maintaining a broad differential and considering a diagnosis of congenital hyperinsulinism in a baby with poor feeding in the newborn period. Recognizing and treating congenital hyperinsulinism is essential to prevent potential neurological sequelae from recurrent, severe hypoglycemia.