Yes, inflammation in food affects weight. Inflammation caused by the ingredients in certain foods can affect weight loss results, making it more difficult to lose weight and easier to put on a few pounds. Current research shows us that:

• Inflammation Increases with Weight Gain — Weight gain is associated with increased inflammation in the body, and the effects can be proportional. In a 2019 study, researchers found that levels of a key inflammatory marker in the blood known as C-reactive protein (CRP) increased as weight increased; this inflammation remains until excess weight is lost, and appears to be triggered by hormonal and metabolic changes.

• Inflammation and Weight Gain Lead to Insulin Resistance — Inflammation in the body can lead to insulin resistance, the precursor to diabetes, a chronic condition associated with many complications. Inflammatory compounds can impair the way insulin works, leading to higher glucose levels, as well as fat accumulation in the liver.

• Weight Gain Triggers Leptin Resistance — Leptin is a key hormone that regulates many important digestive and metabolic functions, including telling the brain when to eat, when to stop eating, and when to speed up or slow down metabolism. However, research suggests that leptin functioning is altered with weight gain and inflammation, interfering with the way it is processed. This can leave leptin levels lower than normal, which triggers appetite to increase and metabolism to slow, preparing the body as if it were starving.

Yes, an anti-inflammatory diet can cause weight loss. Anti-inflammatory diets can be beneficial for people with inflammatory diseases, especially if the diet is tailored to the individual’s symptoms. People with inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis or Crohn’s disease, can lose weight and reduce their risk of heart disease by following an anti-inflammatory diet. Some of the key components of an anti-inflammatory diet include reducing inflammation-causing foods, such as red meat and processed foods, and increasing the intake of anti-inflammatory fruits and vegetables.

Many foods are anti-inflammatory in nature, primarily raw or fermented fruits and vegetables. Foods high in anti-inflammatory properties include:

• Green leafy vegetables
• Bok Choy
• Celery
• Beets
• Broccoli
• Blueberries
• Pineapple
• Salmon
• Bone broth
• Walnuts
• Coconut oil
• Chia seeds
• Flaxseeds
• Turmeric
• Ginger
• Gingko leaves
• Ginseng
• Goji berry
• Fleece flower root
• Salvia root

Types of foods to avoid include:

• Sugar — cakes and ice creams
• Dairy products
• Trans fats
• Processed food and meats
• Alcohol
• Red meat
• Refined grains
• MSG products

The number of health benefits that an anti-inflammatory diet can provide is almost endless, and the list only grows for people that have inflammatory conditions. The main benefits include:

• Increased energy levels
• Weight loss
• Improved emotional disposition and regulation
• Less joint pain
• Reduced risk of bone loss
• Helps slow down cognitive aging
• Improved heart health

If you are not achieving your weight loss goals despite your best efforts, it could be due to inflammation. The weight loss specialists at Metabolic Medical Centers can help you determine the role inflammation plays in your diet and develop a customized weight loss plan to help you reach your goals. Call us today to book an appointment with our weight loss specialist, or visit one of our six South Carolina locations: in Mount Pleasant, SC; Charleston, SC; Murrells Inlet, SC; Columbia, SC; Bluffton, SC; and Irmo, SC. We look forward to serving you! We serve patients from Mount Pleasant SC, West Ashley SC, Murrells Inlet SC, Columbia SC, Bluffton SC, Sullivans Island SC, Isle of Palms SC, Daniel Island SC, Charleston SC, James Island SC, North Charleston SC, Pawleys Island SC, Myrtle Beach SC, Hilton Head SC, and Hardeeville SC.