How Weight Loss Can Improve Immune System Function

Your body weight is a factor in many of your biological functions, and carrying too much weight can compromise your health. In fact, several known conditions are linked to obesity, including hypertension (high blood pressure), heart disease, and poor immunity.

If you’re overweight and frequently get colds or feel worn out, it might be the ideal time to consider the medical weight loss services available at RegenMed Health Centers in San Antonio, Texas.

Ellen Lin, MD, provides medically supervised weight loss programs customized to your unique health needs and challenges. Dr. Lin focuses on strategies for making lifelong changes that support healthy weight maintenance and better immune health.

The link between obesity and poor immunity

The immune system fights harmful substances, infections, and diseases to keep your body functioning at peak levels. When this system is depleted and dysfunctional, it can’t defend against germs, bacteria, and viruses, and you become more vulnerable to acute and chronic illnesses.

Being overweight or obese negatively affects immunity in several ways:

Triggers inflammation

Excess body fat increases inflammation throughout the body, reducing immune system response efficiency.

Increases infection risk

People with weight challenges may be at increased risk for folliculitis, candidiasis, and other skin infections that their immune systems cannot suppress.

Respiratory infections, including COVID-19 infections, may also be more severe in people who are obese.

Metabolic dysfunction

The accumulation of fat in the immune system's organs can compromise the integrity of the tissue and potentially lead to metabolic syndrome.

Metabolic syndrome, in turn, can increase your risk factors for diabetes, heart disease, and other chronic conditions.

Immune-boosting benefits of medical weight loss

Losing even a small percentage of excess weight offers many lasting health benefits, including a stronger immune system. If you have difficulties losing weight on your own, medical weight loss can be an effective tool to achieve a healthy body weight.

Our customized weight loss programs focus on lifestyle and diet changes you can make to lose excess weight and keep it off for good. Dr. Lin uses the advanced Seca® biometric scale to evaluate the percentages of fat, muscle, bone, and water you have.

This information helps Dr. Lin identify factors that contribute to weight gain so she can recommend the most effective tools to help you achieve your weight loss goals. Included in your plan may be strategies like:

• Nutritional counseling
• Healthy meal planning
• Daily exercise recommendations
• Dietary supplements
• Weight loss medications

We continue to monitor your progress with medical weight loss and can make changes as you reach each milestone.

Dr. Lin also offers DNA testing to learn more about genetic factors that influence your weight and immune system health. Test results give you valuable information about your health so you can make the most informed decisions about improving your wellness.

Call RegenMed Health Centers in San Antonio, Texas, today to schedule a personalized weight loss consultation. You can also use the online feature to book an appointment.