Accumulating evidence indicates that the gut microbiota is closely linked with the development of obesity , insulin resistance and other metabolic diseases, with the detailed molecular mechanism being elucidated.The gut microbiota can not only regulate energy metabolism and promote excessive fat accumulation,but also act as one of the predisposing factors for driving the host systemic, low-grade chronic inflammationand subsequent insulin resistance and other metabolic disorders. The gut microbiota may become a new target for the prevention and treatment of obesity.