Can inflammation cause weight gain?

If you’re like most people, when you hear the word “inflammation,” you probably think of a sprained ankle or a sore throat. But did you know that inflammation can also lead to weight gain? That’s right, folks. Buckle up because we’re about to take on this fiery topic and explore how inflammation and weight gain are related.

What is Inflammation?

Let’s start from the beginning. Inflammation is your body’s natural response to injury or infection, which helps it fight off foreign invaders such as bacteria and viruses. When an area in your body becomes inflamed, its immune system triggers the release of white blood cells, cytokines and other inflammatory hormones (yes they have hormones too). This process goes into overdrive during acute conditions such as infections but can become chronic (a bit like that annoying ex) if left untreated^1.

Getting down with some medical jargon:

“Acute inflammation – Immediate response by our immune system to harmful stimuli identified through histamine production

Chronic Inflammation – The final outcome for prolonged immunological response & recruitment of macrophages”

How Does Inflammation Lead To Weight Gain?

Now that we understand what inflammation is all about let’s switch gears & talk about how uncontrolled chronic inflammatory issues may affect our waistlines. One way inflammation contributes to weight gain is by increasing insulin resistance?! Sounds scary eh— fear not; Insulin Resistance refers to the state where muscles no longer respond positively despite rising levels of blood sugar so instead glucose continues circulating freely until excess availability converts it into fat tissues ^(2).

We should blame “Cytokine Party crashers”: Overproduction of cytokine proteins frequently caused Due To Constant Chronic Infection Stimulation could trigger over-response involving fat storage hormone thus resulting in extra belly inflation ^(3), increased appetite, insulin resistance and reduced fat burning metabolism^(4).

Darn, it looks like our lovely immune system really knows how to annihilate any hopes we have for a “beach Summer bod”.

What Foods Can Cause Inflammation?

Now hold on, don’t go blaming your weight gain on inflammation just yet. As much as the above exists (or will exist), lifestyle choices including dietary consumption are often responsible for worsening already existing inflammatory issues or catalysing new ones ^(5). Consuming certain foods increases your body’s level of inflammation—Dammit!

The inflammatory response can prompt us to consume more fatty/sugary favourites such fried food –yummy right? Afterall when in pain you need things that bring pleasure. resulting into constantly high levels of calorie intake thus leading to rapid increase in BMI!

​ | ​ Inflammatory Food | Non-Inflammatory Alternatives|
|—————— |——————–:|
|Fried Foods |Grilled / Baked seafood , fish ,avocado |
|Refined Sugar | Fruits- berries; bananas ;papayas :pineapples etc |
|Processed Meats |Lean Meat/Vegetable proteins|
|Margarine/Baked Goods ||Unsalted grass-feed butter/Nuts|

Yes, I’m sure you’ve been told this before but now we’re all adults so it’s time to actually take heed . A well-balanced diet is paramount especially while dealing with chronic conditions.

How To Control Weight Gain Caused By Inflammation

Let me drop some keys –”Controlled Lifestyle changes Matter/are important”- That means making smart food choices and engaging in regular physical activity.^1

Here are some tips:

  • Incorporate anti-inflammatory foods like omega-3-rich fish, spinach amongst other leafy greens.
  • Consume protein at every meal; proteins stabilize blood sugar level which affects and manages insulin production & concentration in our bodies
  • Reduce those sugary drinks such as cordials, energy drinks; (Limit fruit juice Intake – I mean it may contain Vitamin C but from a caloric point not worth sabotage your journey)
  • Limit processed/ baked goods
  • Get moving: Regular exercise improves mobility, aids weight loss and reduces inflammation. 1

Conclusion

To sum things up colleagues (that’s how it works here right) Inflammation can contribute towards the dreaded weight gain however , lifestyle choices ultimately sit atop of seating arrangements for both culprits at this table. The key to preventing indigestion caused by excess calorie intake is maintaining an anti-inflammatory diet with physical exercise regularly playing background music. But vigilance alone does little good if not practiced on consistent basis so be persistence, get some water — Cheers to staying healthy!

References
1.Linderborg KM et al., 2019
2.Garg SK et al.,2020;
3.Fan R-M , Lin D-Y ;2018,
4.Gurău F et al..
5.de Lima Fraga L.et al .

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