‘Strong Association’ Between Obesity and Autoimmune Disease: Report

‘Strong Association’ Between Obesity and Autoimmune Disease: Report
This combination of file photos made in 2016 shows (from L) obese people in Los Angeles, Mexico City and Manchester. Robyn Beck, Ronaldo Schemidt, Paul Ellis/AFP via Getty Images
Naveen Athrappully
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There is “compelling epidemiological evidence” revealing a “strong association” between being obese or overweight and the risk of developing autoimmune diseases like Type 1 diabetes and multiple sclerosis.

“From an immunological standpoint, the cellular and molecular mechanisms linked to this association include the overstimulation of T lymphocytes by nutrient- and energy-sensing pathways,” according to a March 30 publication in “Science” magazine by Dr. Giuseppe Matarese, professor of immunology at the University of Naples Federico II in Naples, Italy.

T lymphocytes are a major component of the adaptive immune system.

Adipose tissue, also known as body fat, is an immunologically active organ that influences the systemic immune responses of a body via the production of adipocytokines. “In turn, immune cells affect adipocyte homeostasis and metabolism through the production of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines,” Matarese wrote.

“I propose that metabolic workload—induced by nutrients, adipocyte-derived growth factors, and adipocytokines—may represent an accelerator of autoimmune disorders in people who typically consume an obesogenic Western diet.”

Rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, multiple sclerosis, type 1 diabetes, psoriasis, and systemic sclerosis come under autoimmune diseases—a disorder characterized by abnormally low- or over activity by the body’s immune system.

Obesity remains a risk factor for autoimmune conditions like multiple sclerosis and type 1 diabetes (T1D), as pointed out Matarese. Among lifestyle factors which increase the risk of multiple sclerosis includes a high body mass index (BMI).

He cited studies among young obese individuals that found there is a 1.6 to 1.9-fold increase in the risk of developing multiple sclerosis during adolescence and young adulthood.

“Similarly, higher BMI at birth is associated with higher T1D susceptibility in children. Indeed, the incidence of T1D increased almost linearly with a higher birth weight (1.7 percent increase in incidence per 100-g increase in birth weight).”

To control the body’s autoimmune response, Matarese suggests behavioral interventions including restricting calorie intake as well as practicing fasting. He also raises the possibility of using drugs that might mimic fasting.

Obesity in the United States

According to the National Health and Nutrition Examination survey conducted in the United States between 2017 and March 2020, the rate of obesity prevalence in the country was 41.9 percent. This is up from 30.5 percent between 1999 and 2000. During this time, the prevalence of severe obesity almost doubled from 4.7 percent to 9.2 percent.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates obesity prevalence to be the highest among adults aged 40 to 59 years, with 44.3 percent of this demographic affected by it. This was followed by adults aged 60 and above at 41.5 percent, and adults aged 20 to 39 at 39.8 percent.

Racially, non-Hispanic Black adults had the highest age-adjusted prevalence of obesity at 49.9 percent, followed by Hispanic adults at 45.6 percent, and non-Hispanic white adults at 41.4 percent. Non-Hispanic Asian adults had the lowest obesity prevalence at just 16.1 percent.

A March 2021 study published in the PLOS journal found that obesity was associated with $1,861 in excess annual medical cost per individual among adults. This translated to $172.74 billion in extra annual expenditures in the country.

Tackling Obesity-Causing Foods

Foods that are deep-fried contribute to obesity. When an item is fried, it loses its water content and absorbs more fat. Consuming such foods means higher calorie intake.

In addition, fried foods can also raise cholesterol levels. It can contain trans fats which are capable of changing the chemical structure of fats to an extent that the body finds it difficult to break down.

Adding butter to your food is also a risky choice when it comes to body weight. Just a single tablespoon contains roughly 102 calories.

Processed meats that are cured and salted tend to be high in saturated fats and calories. Sweets and sugar-sweetened beverages can also add to body weight if consumed excessively.

In May last year, a research team from The Hong Kong Baptist University published the results of their study showing that the most effective way to deal with obesity is by simply reducing food intake.

Inhibiting a hydrolytic protease called MT1-MMP was found to boost the body’s feeling of satiety, thereby helping people eat less and lose weight. Hydrolytic protease refers to a group of enzymes. The scientists concluded that drugs targeting MT1-MMP could be an effective obesity treatment.

Naveen Athrappully
Naveen Athrappully
Author
Naveen Athrappully is a news reporter covering business and world events at The Epoch Times.
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