Can excessive exercise cause inflammation instead of weight loss?

Factors like obesity and a poor diet can exacerbate inflammation. Research has shown that inflammation caused by excess body fat can contribute to a range of health issues.

In Short

• Inflammation is the body's natural response to injury or infection
• Obesity is a major cause of internal inflammation because of the excess white fat cells
• Excessive exercise can indeed be linked to inflammation

In a recent interview, actor Vidya Balan opened up about her long-standing battle with weight gain, despite maintaining a regular exercise routine and a balanced diet. She revealed that underlying inflammation in her body contributed to her weight challenges. By prioritising a diet aimed at reducing inflammation and scaling back on excessive workouts, she was able to lose weight very quickly.

While inflammation can be caused by weight gain, it usually happens when your body doesn't get enough recovery time after vigorous exercise.

WHAT IS INFLAMMATION AND HOW IS IT LINKED TO WEIGHT GAIN?

Inflammation is the body's natural response to injury or infection. It helps protect and heal tissues but can become chronic if prolonged, leading to diseases like diabetes, heart conditions, and arthritis.

Factors like obesity and a poor diet can exacerbate inflammation. Research has shown that inflammation caused by excess body fat can contribute to a range of health issues.

While both obesity and inflammation are distinct processes in the body, they are deeply interconnected, according to Dr Naval Mendiratta, Senior Consultant, Rheumatology, Fortis Memorial Research Institute Gurugram, who explained how obesity and inflammation influence each other and affect overall health.

"Obesity is a major cause of internal inflammation because of the excess white fat cells in the body. These cells release cytokines, chemicals that are typically part of the immune response, but in cases of obesity, they’re produced abnormally," Dr Mendiratta told IndiaToday.in.

This abnormal production leads to chronic, low-level inflammation that can affect multiple organs.

While some people may carry excess fat without significant inflammation, those with higher Body Mass Index (BMI), especially above 24.5, are more likely to show elevated markers of inflammation, such as C-reactive protein (CRP).

"These inflammatory molecules can lead to health problems like diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, and even impact vital organs like the pancreas, heart, and kidneys,” Dr Mendiratta noted.

Statistics show that people with obesity are over twice as likely to develop type 2 diabetes and face a 50% higher risk of heart disease compared to those with a healthy weight.

This complex relationship also involves the gut as well. A newer concept, metabolic endotoxemia, suggests that obesity alters gut microbiota, which in turn fosters inflammation, fueling further fat storage in a cycle that can perpetuate obesity.

CAN EXERCISE CAUSE INFLAMMATION?

Excessive exercise can indeed be linked to inflammation, particularly in cases of overtraining or when the body does not have enough time to recover. This leads to a hinderence in weight loss.

Stress Response: Intense and prolonged exercise can activate the body’s stress response, leading to an increase in inflammatory markers. This is a normal physiological reaction, but when exercise is excessive or done without adequate recovery, it can lead to chronic inflammation.

Muscle Damage: High-intensity workouts can cause muscle microtrauma, resulting in soreness and inflammation as the body works to repair the damaged tissues. While this is part of the normal healing process, excessive damage can prolong inflammation and hinder recovery.

Immune System Impact: While moderate exercise can boost the immune system, excessive training can actually suppress immune function. This may lead to a higher risk of infections and, consequently, increased inflammation.

Hormonal Imbalance: Overtraining can disrupt the balance of hormones like cortisol, which can lead to an inflammatory response in the body. Elevated cortisol levels over time can contribute to chronic inflammation.

Fatigue and Recovery: Insufficient rest and recovery can prevent the body from healing properly after intense workouts, leading to prolonged inflammatory responses and potential injury.

To ensure a healthy body weight, striking a balance between exercise and diet can help lower inflammation.