Shedding Just 10 Pounds Could Have a Positive Effect on Your Immune System

A well-balanced immune system is essential to good health. It helps our bodies fight infections and protects us from germs and other invaders. However, if you are carrying excess body fat, particularly in your abdominal area, your own immune system could be turning against you. The scientific community has known for a while now that excess abdominal fat can trigger the production of “pro-inflammatory” immune cells. These cells, like their name suggests, promote inflammation in the body. Chronic inflammation can lead to numerous health problems, including coronary artery disease and cancer.

Findings of an Australian research study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism have shown that losing as few as 10 pounds could bring the immune systems of obese individuals back into balance. Researchers observed 13 obese subjects with either type 2 diabetes or prediabetes for 24 weeks. The study restricted the caloric intakes of participants to between 1,000 and 1,600 per day. After 12 weeks, participants underwent gastric banding procedures to restrict their food intakes even further. At the end of the study, subjects lost an average of 13.5% of their body weight and their levels of pro-inflammatory immune cells were reduced by over 80%.

If reading this has inspired you to shed some of your excess abdominal fat in an effort to avoid the host of health problems that come with chronic inflammation, don’t turn to something as extreme as gastric banding surgery just yet. Remember, a modest 10 pound weight loss will have a significant impact on your health. For those who are not obese, losing even fewer pounds is likely to make a difference. While it isn’t possible to target exactly where you will lose weight, taking steps to lose weight in general will lead to abdominal fat loss as well. You will always need to consume fewer calories than you burn to lose fat, so engage in some sort of aerobic exercise and reduce your caloric intake for the greatest calorie deficit. Next, studies have suggested that eating whole grains instead of their refined counterparts can lead to more belly fat loss when paired with a reduced calorie diet. Consuming more monounsaturated fats and soluble fiber, and less trans fatty acids may reduce belly fat as well. Just make a few simple changes like those discussed above and you will be enjoying greater health in no time.

Do you find yourself catching the common cold a little too often? Do you think it’s possible for you to lose just 10lbs? Let us know below!