https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32632847/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
Peer-Reviewed Research Findings
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12724045/
1. Obesity increases chronic inflammation linked to autoimmunity
Obesity isn’t just excess weight — it leads to visceral fat accumulation and chronic low-grade inflammation, which can disrupt immune system regulation and promote autoimmune processes.
2. Meta-analysis shows higher risk of autoimmune diseases with obesity
A 2025 meta-analysis reported that people with obesity had a 41% increased risk of developing any autoimmune disease compared with normal weight individuals (hazard ratio (HR) ~1.41, statistically significant). Specific conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and Crohn’s disease also showed elevated risks.
3. Mendelian randomization supports causal links
Genetic studies using Mendelian randomization found that obesity measures (BMI and waist circumference) were positively associated with the risk of several autoimmune diseases — including asthma, psoriasis, hypothyroidism, rheumatoid arthritis, and type 1 diabetes.
🧠 Biological Mechanisms (from Scientific Reviews)
• Fat tissue secretes cytokines and inflammatory mediators that alter immune cell signaling. This chronic inflammation can disrupt immune tolerance — a key factor in autoimmune development.
• Adipose-derived immune dysregulation has been documented in both human and animal studies, showing increased autoantibody production associated with obesity.
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https://karger.com/ofa/article/16/6/598/865115/The-Causal-Effect-of-Obesity-on-the-Risk-of-15
Academic Citation Format (APA)
Spatocco, I. et al. (2025). Obesity as a Risk Factor for Autoimmune Diseases. Obesity Journal.
This meta-analysis found that obesity was associated with an increased incidence of autoimmune disease compared to normal weight individuals.
