Succinate is the central metabolite of the mitochondrial tricarboxylic acid cycle and an important metabolite of the intestinal flora. Recent studies have showed that succinate involved in the occurrence, development and outcome of metabolic diseases via “signal molecules”. Obesity, non-alcoholic hepatitis, type 2 diabetes mellitus and metabolic cardiovascular disease are closely related to metabolic homeostasis. This article reviews the relationship between succinate and these four metabolic diseases, and its underlying mechanisms, which might benefit to provide new ideas and strategies for the prevention and treatment of metabolic diseases.