How excess fat is doing way more than keeping you warm!
Being overweight or obese can drive inflammation in the body through various mechanisms.
When inflammation persists for an extended period, it becomes chronic and can damage tissues and organs. Low-grade chronic inflammation is linked to various health conditions, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, arthritis, autoimmune disorders, and certain cancers.
Adipose Tissue Inflammation:
Adipose tissue, or fat tissue, is not just a passive storage site for excess energy; it's also an active endocrine organ that releases hormones and inflammatory molecules. In obese individuals, adipose tissue becomes dysfunctional and produces pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and leptin. These cytokines can promote systemic inflammation, contributing to the development of chronic diseases.
Insulin Resistance:
Obesity is closely associated with insulin resistance, a condition in which cells become less responsive to the effects of insulin, leading to elevated blood sugar levels. Insulin resistance triggers the release of the pro-inflammatory cytokines and activates inflammatory pathways in various tissues, including the liver, muscles, and adipose tissue. Chronic low-grade inflammation resulting from insulin resistance further exacerbates metabolic dysfunction and increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Dysregulated Immune Response:
Obesity can dysregulate the immune system, leading to chronic inflammation. Adipose tissue macrophages, a type of immune cell, accumulate in excess adipose tissue in obese individuals. These macrophages release pro-inflammatory cytokines and contribute to local and systemic inflammation. Additionally, obesity can impair the function of regulatory T cells, which normally help suppress inflammation and maintain immune balance.
Gut Microbiota Dysbiosis:
Obesity is associated with alterations in the composition and function of the gut microbiota, a complex community of microorganisms living in the digestive tract. Dysbiosis, or imbalance in gut microbiota, can promote inflammation through various mechanisms, including increased production of bacterial endotoxins (e.g., lipopolysaccharides) that trigger immune responses and contribute to metabolic dysfunction.
Oxidative Stress:
Obesity is characterised by increased oxidative stress, resulting from an imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidant defences. Excess adipose tissue produces ROS, which can damage cells and tissues and promote inflammation. Oxidative stress-induced inflammation contributes to the pathogenesis of obesity-related complications such as insulin resistance, endothelial dysfunction, and cardiovascular disease.
Overall, obesity-driven inflammation is a complex and multifaceted process involving interactions between adipose tissue, immune cells, metabolic pathways, and the gut microbiota. By understanding these mechanisms, interventions targeting obesity-related inflammation, such as weight loss through dietary modifications, exercise, and lifestyle changes, can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases associated with obesity.
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