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Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection

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Obesity

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Updated: Jun 29, 2026

Isolation of Adipose Tissue Immune Cells

Isolation of Adipose Tissue Immune Cells

Published on: May 22, 2013

Influence of obesity on immune function.

D C Nieman¹, D A Henson, S L Nehlsen-Cannarella

¹Department of Health and Exercise Science, Appalachian State University, Boone, NC 28608, USA.

Journal of the American Dietetic Association

|March 17, 1999

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Obesity alters immune function, increasing some cell counts and phagocytosis while suppressing lymphocyte proliferation. This immune dysregulation may explain the higher infection risk in obese individuals.

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Characterization of Immune Cells in Human Adipose Tissue by Using Flow Cytometry

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Area of Science:

Immunology
Obesity Research
Public Health

Background:

Obesity is a growing public health concern linked to various health issues.
Immune system function may be compromised in obese individuals, potentially increasing susceptibility to infections.

Purpose of the Study:

To compare immune function between obese and nonobese women.
To investigate the influence of aerobic fitness, psychological well-being, and metabolic factors on immunity in obesity.

Main Methods:

Cross-sectional comparison of 116 obese and 41 nonobese women.
Measurement of immune cell counts, lymphocyte proliferation, and phagocytic activity.
Multiple regression analysis to assess the impact of obesity and other factors on immune parameters.

Main Results:

Obesity associated with increased leukocyte and lymphocyte counts (excluding NK and T cells).
Suppressed mitogen-induced lymphocyte proliferation observed in obese subjects.
Enhanced monocyte and granulocyte phagocytosis and oxidative burst activity in obesity.

Conclusions:

Obesity is demonstrably linked to significant alterations in immune system function.
Further research is warranted to establish a clear link between obesity-induced immunosuppression and increased infection risk.