Research
Energy balance
Obesity is associated with impaired immune competence, including reduced antibody and IFN-gamma production, leading to increased susceptibility to infections and poorer vaccination responses.
Maintaining a healthy weight through balanced nutrition and regular physical activity can support your immune system. If you are obese, consider discussing weight management strategies with your healthcare provider to improve immune function and vaccination response.
GoodRefutesHIGH confidence
Obesity can be associated with a loss of immune competence, with impairments of the activity of helper T lymphocytes, cytotoxic T lymphocytes, B lymphocytes and natural killer cells, and reduced antibody and IFN-gamma production.
Why this rating
Supported by multiple studies cited, including in vitro and clinical data.
Source
Nutrition, immunity and COVID-19
Philip C. Calder · BMJ Nutrition Prevention & Health · 2020
DOI 10.1136/bmjnph-2020-000085
narrative_reviewCited 540×
Read the paper DOI resolved against Crossref · corpus check 2026-06-10
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- Adequate intake of essential micronutrients (Vitamins A, B6, B12, C, D, E, folate, zinc, selenium, copper, iron) is required to support optimal immune function and reduce susceptibility to infections.Good
- Zinc and selenium are particularly important for antiviral defense mechanisms.Good
- Ageing is associated with immunosenescence, leading to increased susceptibility to infections and poorer responses to vaccination.Good
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