Obesity Can Impact Your Immunity
If there is one thing that we all have in common, it’s that no one wants to get sick. In the wake of
COVID-19, researchers learned that being obese can sometimes make that a challenge. Recent
studies show that obesity can impair the body's immune response or function, leading to
an increased chance for various infections.
Obesity Triggers Inflammation
How does excess weight affect your immune health? Obesity causes your body to be in a state
of chronic inflammation, which compromises your immune system. More weight can equal
more inflammation. When body fat rises, fat cells release cytokines which trigger inflammation.
Chronic inflammation is a serious issue and can lead to the development of minor and serious
illness and conditions, such as:
- Alzheimer’s Disease
- Cancer
- Heart Disease
- Type 2 Diabetes
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
Obesity & Vaccine Effectiveness
Obesity can also play a role in the effectiveness of vaccines. A recent study found that obesity
can cause some COVID-19 vaccines to lose their efficacy quicker. The results indicated that
vaccine effectiveness differed across BMI groups, with more rapid waning in those with
increased BMI.
Another study, this one on Hepatitis B vaccines, discovered that people with obesity have a very
high non-response rate to vaccination. Researchers found that it takes a more potent Hepatitis
B vaccine to come close to a response rate.
A study on the effectiveness of the Flu vaccine revealed that the vaccine does not work as well
for obese adults, leaving them at an increased risk of getting the Flu. Researchers discovered
that as a person becomes more overweight, their metabolism changes which causes a
metabolic shift in immune system cells.
Weight-Loss Surgery Could Help Lower Infection Risk
Bariatric surgery is a safe, effective long-term weight-loss solution that helps thousands of
people lose weight and keep it off. Many studies show that patients maintain 50% to 70% loss
of excess weight 10+ years after bariatric surgery.
When it’s time to start a successful weight-loss transformation, it’s time to call NYBG!
We’re the best practice around and our numbers prove it:
- 23 skilled surgeons who are leaders in bariatrics, 4 Plastic Surgeons, 21 PA’s, and 1
Colorectal Surgeon. - 30,000 successful procedures performed with more every day
- The #1 gastric balloon practice by volume – most balloons placed in the United States
- Access to online seminars, support groups, cooking demos, and Q&A sessions.
- 100s of videos for patients explaining procedures, answering common questions, and
showcasing previous patients - Multiple offices located in three states; NY, NJ, CT
- Since 2000, we boast over 20 years of success!
All of our hospitals are Metabolic Bariatric Surgery Accrediation and Quality Improvement
Program (MBSAQIP) accredited facilities, which is a prestigious designation bestowed upon
only the top quality bariatric programs.
Stop waiting; start achieving better health today. Together, we’ve got this!
New York Bariatric Group is implementing and enforcing strict guidelines put out by the Center
of Disease Control and the Department of Health in order to keep our staff and patients safe.
We are offering in-person and virtual consultations to ensure that everyone is able to get the
information and care they deserve without feeling pressure to leave their home.
