Volume 29, Issue 163, September 2025

The Impact of Obesity on the Development and Progression of Selected Autoimmune Diseases: Interplay Between Inflammation and Immune Dysregulation – A Review

Agnieszka Mariowska^♦, Paulina Horwat, Anita Szymańska, Weronika Pierudzka, Marta Dzieciątkowska

University Clinical Hospital in Poznan, Przybyszewskiego 49, 60-355 Poznan, Poland

^♦Corresponding author
Agnieszka Mariowska, University Clinical Hospital in Poznan, Przybyszewskiego 49, 60-355 Poznan, Poland

ABSTRACT

Background: Obesity is a metabolic disorder and an immunomodulatory factor that may play an essential role in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. Chronic low-grade inflammation associated with excess body fat can lead to impaired immune tolerance and activation of autoimmune responses. Aim: The aim of our systematic review focused on assessing the impact of obesity on selected autoimmune diseases. Materials and Methods: The databases Pubmed and Google Scholar were searched for the years from 2000 to 2024. Researchers searched using the keywords: “obesity and autoimmunity”, “adipokines and inflammation” , “obesity and type 1 diabetes” , “obesity and Hashimoto's thyroiditis”, “obesity and rheumatoid arthritis”, and “obesity and psoriasis”. This review includes original studies, reviews, and meta-analyses on the relationship between obesity and autoimmunity. Results: The article describes the impact of obesity on the immune system, taking into account the role of leptin and adiponectin, among others. Furthermore, it highlights the correlation between obesity and autoimmune diseases, particularly type 1 diabetes, Hashimoto’s disease, psoriasis, and rheumatoid arthritis. Research shows that obesity can exacerbate disease symptoms, worsen response to treatment, and increase the risk of complications. Conclusions: Obesity has multiple effects on the course of autoimmune diseases. Weight reduction may provide therapeutic benefits by reducing inflammation and improving response to treatment.

Keywords: obesity, autoimmune diseases, adipokines, inflammation, immune system

Medical Science, 2025, 29, e191ms3646

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi.v29i163.e191ms3646

Published: 29 September 2025