When we think of inflammation, we usually picture a bruise, a wound or an infection. However, there is another, much quieter type of inflammation that can persist for years without producing obvious symptoms.
It is known as chronic low-grade inflammation, and we now know it plays a fundamental role in conditions such as obesity, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, fatty liver disease and cardiovascular disease.
What is chronic inflammation?
Inflammation is a normal response the body uses to defend itself against injury or infection.
The problem arises when that response stays activated for a long time, even without an infection. In that case, a mild but constant inflammation develops, which can affect the functioning of different organs.
In people with obesity, especially when there is excess abdominal fat, adipose tissue releases inflammatory substances that keep the body in a state of "permanent alert." This contributes to metabolic disruption and favors the onset of other diseases.
How can I know if I have it?
Chronic inflammation doesn't usually cause specific symptoms, but certain situations can raise suspicion of its presence:
- • Excess abdominal fat;
- • Insulin resistance or prediabetes;
- • Fatty liver;
- • Elevated cholesterol and triglycerides;
- • High blood pressure;
- • Metabolic syndrome.
In some cases, certain laboratory tests, such as high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), can provide useful information, although no single test confirms the diagnosis on its own. Medical evaluation should always consider each person's clinical context.
Why is it important to treat it?
Chronic inflammation promotes the development of numerous diseases and accelerates the decline of metabolic health.
It has been linked to a higher risk of:
- • Type 2 diabetes;
- • Cardiovascular disease;
- • Fatty liver;
- • Progression of obesity;
- • Impaired blood vessel function.
That's why the goal isn't only to lose weight, but also to reduce that silent inflammation affecting the body.
How can it be reversed?
The good news is that chronic inflammation can decrease significantly with sustainable lifestyle changes.
The strategies with the strongest scientific support include:
- • Achieving weight reduction when overweight or obesity is present;
- • Engaging in regular physical activity, combining aerobic exercise and strength training;
- • Prioritizing an eating pattern based on fresh foods, vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains and healthy fats;
- • Sleeping between 7 and 9 hours per night;
- • Managing stress;
- • Quitting smoking.
There is no miracle "anti-inflammatory" food. What truly makes a difference is maintaining healthy habits consistently.
A key takeaway
Chronic low-grade inflammation isn't felt, but it can affect your health for many years before producing symptoms.
Detecting risk factors and treating them early makes it possible to improve metabolism, reduce cardiovascular risk and prevent future disease.
If you have obesity, abdominal fat, insulin resistance or fatty liver, a comprehensive medical evaluation can help identify the causes and design a personalized treatment.
References
- • Hotamisligil GS. Foundations of Immunometabolism and Implications for Metabolic Health and Disease. Cell. 2017.
- • Mechanick JI, Farkouh ME, Newman JD, Garvey WT. Cardiometabolic-Based Chronic Disease, Adiposity and Dysglycemia Drivers. Journal of the American College of Cardiology. 2020.
- • Elmaleh-Sachs A, Schwartz JL, Bramante CT, et al. Obesity Management in Adults: A Review. JAMA. 2023.
- • James DE, Stöckli J, Birnbaum MJ. The Aetiology and Molecular Landscape of Insulin Resistance. Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology. 2021. The review describes the relationship between insulin resistance, oxidative stress and chronic inflammation.
- • American Diabetes Association. Standards of Care in Diabetes. 2026.