Hormonal
Obesity induces chronic low-grade inflammation (LGCI) via adipose tissue hypertrophy, immune cell infiltration (M1 macrophages), and cytokine release (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β), which disrupts insulin signaling through JNK and NF-κB pathways, leading to systemic insulin resistance and metabolic dysfunction.
If you have obesity, your body is likely in a state of chronic, low-grade inflammation that actively works against your metabolic health. This isn't just 'being fat'; it's a biological state that disrupts how your body handles insulin and energy. Addressing this inflammation through lifestyle changes (diet, exercise) or medical interventions is crucial for breaking the cycle of metabolic dysfunction.
Hypertrophic adipocytes and infiltrating immune cells, particularly macrophages, release a cascade of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β, creating a self-perpetuating cycle of inflammation. These mediators disrupt insulin signaling through JNK and NF-κB pathway activation, leading to systemic insulin resistance, cardiovascular complications, gut dysbiosis and other metabolic disorders.
Why this rating
This is a narrative review summarizing multiple primary studies and clinical trials; it is not a single primary RCT but synthesizes high-quality evidence.
Source
The Mechanisms of Chronic Inflammation in Obesity and Potential Therapeutic Strategies: A Narrative Review
Elvira Meni Maria Gkrinia et al. · Current Issues in Molecular Biology · 2025
DOI 10.3390/cimb47050357
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This is one finding among thousands. Every one is graded and traced to its source, so you can see what the evidence actually supports. Browse the research →