Classically, obesity is considered to be due to a surplus of energy intake
over energy expenditure, resulting in storage of excess energy as a fat. Genetic, physiological, and environmental factors (e.g., high fat diet [HFD] and sedentary lifestyle) also play a
significant role in the etiology of obesity and obesity-associated metabolic disorders. The gut–liver-axis-mediated concept suggests that the increased consumption of obesogenic foods
(particularly those enriched in fat and fructose) may alter the gut microbiota and intestinal barrier function favoring the occurrence of metabolic endotoxemia and low-grade inflammation
thereby contributing to the development of obesity and obesity-associated fatty liver disease.