Research
Hormonal
Obesity induces a state of chronic low-grade inflammation in adipose tissue, primarily driven by macrophage infiltration and the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6), which directly impairs insulin signaling and contributes to insulin resistance.
Excess body fat, particularly visceral fat, triggers an inflammatory response involving immune cells (macrophages) that release hormones like TNF-α and IL-6. These hormones interfere with insulin signaling, leading to insulin resistance. Reducing visceral fat can help lower this inflammation and improve metabolic health.
StrongSupportsHIGH confidence
Obesity is now viewed as a state of systemic, chronic low-grade inflammation [17]. It has been recognized by recent studies that obesity (waist circumference) has a strong impact on adipokine secretion and insulin resistance [18]. ... macrophages are an important part of the secretory function of adipose tissue and the main source of inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α and IL-6.
Why this rating
Supported by extensive experimental data and consensus in the review.
Source
State of the art paper Biochemistry of adipose tissue: an endocrine organ
Marisa Coelho et al. · Archives of Medical Science · 2013
DOI 10.5114/aoms.2013.33181
narrative_reviewCited 1,082×
Read the paper DOI resolved against Crossref · corpus check 2026-06-10
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