MECANISMOS INFLAMATÓRIOS E DE ESTRESSE OXIDATIVO ENVOLVIDOS NA OBESIDADE

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.22533/at.ed.046112426095

• Palavras-chave: Obesidade; Doenças crônicas não transmissíveis; Inflamação

• Keywords: Obesity; Chronic non-communicable diseases; Inflammation.

• Abstract: Obesity is a chronic multifactorial condition resulting from the difference between caloric intake and energy expenditure, and associated with environmental, psychosocial and genetic factors. This excessive accumulation of fat not only affects quality of life, but also increases the risk of chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs), such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. The World Health Organization (WHO) uses the Body Mass Index (BMI) to classify obesity into several categories, from underweight to grade III obesity, where the risk of comorbidities is very high. The prevalence of obesity globally has increased significantly since 1990, and in Brazil, obesity among adults is at rates higher than the global average. Treatment includes dietary changes, increased physical activity and, when necessary, medication or bariatric surgery. Obesity is related to a state of chronic inflammation, and adipose tissue, in addition to storing energy, acts as an endocrine organ, secreting adipokines that affect the immune system and inflammation. Oxidative stress, which occurs when there is an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants, also plays a role in the pathophysiology of obesity, contributing to associated complications. Obesity poses a significant risk to public health and requires the implementation of policies that promote healthy habits, such as nutritional education and encouragement of physical activity. Ensuring access to health services and multidisciplinary interventions is crucial to improving quality of life and reducing complications associated with obesity.