Obesity and Selected Allergic and Immunological Diseases—Etiopathogenesis, Course and Management

Abstract

Obesity is a global problem. It affects every age group and is associated with many negative health effects. As an example, there is a relationship between obesity and allergic and immunological diseases, such as asthma, psoriasis, food allergies, allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis. Obesity undeniably affects their development. In addition, it causes adverse changes in the course and response to therapy in relation to patients without excessive body weight. The treatment of diseases associated with obesity is difficult; drugs are less effective and must be used in higher doses, and their use in patients with obesity is often associated with higher risks. The main form of treatment of all obesity-related diseases is a change in eating habits and increased physical activity, which leads to a decrease in body fat mass. The positive effect of reducing BMI has been confirmed in many independent studies. This paper reviews various types of research documents published since 2019. It aims to systematize the latest knowledge and highlight the need for further research for effective and sustainable treatment options for obesity, its complications and obesity-related diseases.

Not Only Metabolic Complications of Childhood Obesity

“…In addition to asthma, obesity has been shown to affect the development and course of such allergic diseases as atopic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis, and food allergies [ 144 ]. Obesity, due to its inflammatory effects causing deterioration of the epidermal barrier function and changes in the microbiome, has been shown to contribute to the development of atopic dermatitis, worsening of its course, and poorer results of its treatment [ 144 ]. On the other hand, the effectiveness of treatment and alleviation of symptoms may be attributed to weight loss [ 144 ].…”

“…Obesity, due to its inflammatory effects causing deterioration of the epidermal barrier function and changes in the microbiome, has been shown to contribute to the development of atopic dermatitis, worsening of its course, and poorer results of its treatment [ 144 ]. On the other hand, the effectiveness of treatment and alleviation of symptoms may be attributed to weight loss [ 144 ]. Findings indicate that children with atopic dermatitis demonstrate a greater frequency of being overweight, obese, and dyslipidemic than their healthy peers [ 145 ].…”

“…A possible explanation underlying this relationship may be that obesity and a high-fat diet induce intestinal inflammation, weakening the barrier function of the intestines and leading to diminished immunological tolerance to allergens. Additionally, obesity and a high-fat diet contribute to a shift in the composition of the gut microbiota [ 144 ]. It is also worth adding that, concerning another condition, children who are overweight or obese tend to be older at the time of diagnosis of eosinophilic esophagitis than those of normal weight, and abdominal pain is their main symptom [ 148 ].…”

Adipokines in atopic dermatitis: the link between obesity and atopic dermatitis

“…AD has been associated with obesity as a risk factor [ 5 ]. Research on their shared mechanisms has focused on obesity-related adipokines.…”

Effect of the gut microbiome, plasma metabolome, peripheral cells, and inflammatory cytokines on obesity: a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization study and mediation analysis

“…Presently, approximately onethird of the global population is overweight (defined as a body mass index [BMI] between 25 and 29 kg/m²), with 10% classified as obese (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m 2 ) (1). This global epidemic poses significant risks to physical and mental health, being a primary contributor to various diseases, including cardiovascular issues, allergic conditions, hypertension, type 2 diabetes (T2D), cancer, and mood-related disorders (2)(3)(4). Thus, obesity is a serious public health concern.…”