[wpml_language_selector_widget]
[wpml_language_selector_widget]

FAQs

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 1 in 8 people in the world are living with obesity. Worldwide, adult obesity has more than doubled since 1990, and adolescent obesity has quadrupled. It is a major risk factor for chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain cancers.

IMIDs are chronic conditions caused by abnormal immune responses, including psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and lupus. They involve persistent inflammation driven by dysregulation of the immune system.

IMIDs, such as psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and inflammatory bowel disease, affect millions of people worldwide. For example, rheumatoid arthritis impacts about 1% of the global population, while psoriasis affects 2% to 3%. Studies show that obesity increases both the risk and severity of IMIDs, with higher rates of disease activity and reduced response to treatments in patients who are obese.

Obesity leads to chronic low-grade inflammation because excess fat tissue releases pro-inflammatory molecules like TNF-α and IL-6. These signals activate immune cells that infiltrate fat tissue and sustain inflammation.

Yes. Obesity increases the risk and severity of IMIDs by altering immune cell function and promoting systemic inflammation. It can also reduce the effectiveness of certain treatments in some IMIDs, like psoriasis and IBD.

Obesity impairs immune regulation and increases inflammatory markers, which can worsen disease activity, reduce response to therapies, and increase comorbidities like cardiovascular disease.

Yes. Weight loss—especially through lifestyle changes, medication, and/or bariatric surgery—can reduce inflammation, improve immune balance, and enhance treatment response in IMIDs like psoriatic arthritis, psoriasis, and inflammatory bowel disease.

 

Treatment often includes combinations of lifestyle interventions (diet, exercise), anti-inflammatory medications, therapies like GLP-1 agonists (liraglutide, semaglutide, tirzepatide), and bariatric surgery. A multidisciplinary approach is key.

 

Partially. Weight loss and anti-inflammatory therapies can reduce inflammation, but some immune changes may persist. Early intervention is important to prevent long-term immune dysfunction.

 

References

  1. Saltiel AR, Olefsky JM. J Clin Invest. 2017;127:1-4. 
  2. Savulescu-Fiedler I, et al. Life (Basel). 2024;14:856.
  3. Shaikh SR, et al. Nat Rev Endocrinol. 2024;20:136-148.
  4. World Health Organization. Obesity and Overweight. World Health Organization. Accessed 1/7/26. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/obesity-and-overweight

Understanding Obesity

How is Obesity Linked to Inflammation?

Targeting Inflammation

Living Well With Obesity & IMIDs

FAQs

Online Resources

Pin It on Pinterest

Directory
Scroll to Top