- Diet, physical exercise, and other factors can shape the composition of the human gut microbiome. A diet high in microbiota-accessible carbohydrates promotes a diverse microbiome that supports metabolic health. Physical exercise is also able to modify the gut microbiota in beneficial ways. Visceral fat accumulation has been linked to the microbiome, and diet and microbiota may synergistically impact host visceral fat mass. Recommendations include consuming a diet rich in fibers, vitamins, and minerals that require gut microbiota to aid absorption.