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| - Last Updated on December 9, 2024 by Neelam Singh
Quick Take
A social media post claims that eliminating inflammation results in fast weight loss. We conducted a fact check and found that the claim is mostly false.
The Claim
A video on social media claims that reducing inflammation can lead to fast weight loss, presenting it as a shortcut to shedding extra kilos. The video, featuring actress Vidya Balan, claims that targeting inflammation alone eliminates the need for traditional weight-loss methods like diet and exercise.
Fact Check
Can reducing inflammation alone lead to weight loss?
No, reducing inflammation alone does not directly lead to weight loss. Chronic inflammation can affect hormones like insulin and leptin, which are involved in regulating metabolism and appetite. This disruption can make it harder to lose weight. However, addressing inflammation through diet or stress management can support a healthier weight loss journey when combined with proper nutrition and exercise.
Studies support that weight loss itself can help reduce inflammation. A 2018 study found that weight loss through a low-calorie diet or surgery lowered inflammation markers, regardless of diet composition. Another study in 2008 showed that losing at least 10% of body weight reduces harmful inflammation and boosts protective substances. However, maintaining weight loss is essential for lasting health benefits. In 2019, research highlighted that even healthy individuals experience reduced inflammation after weight loss, but these benefits fade with weight regain.
Furthermore, a 2020 study demonstrated that an anti-inflammatory diet helped individuals with obesity lose weight, particularly abdominal fat, and lowered inflammation markers like C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), which is linked to heart disease. This evidence shows that a combination of weight loss and diet can play a crucial role in managing inflammation and improving overall health.
We reached out to Deepalakshmi Sriram, Registered Dietitian at The Cleft & Craniofacial Centre and Sree Balaji Medical College & Hospital, Chennai, for her expert opinion on reducing inflammation for weight loss. She says, “Reducing inflammation alone won’t make you lose weight. Inflammation can mess with hormones that control appetite and metabolism, which might make it harder to shed pounds. But to actually lose weight, you need a combination of a balanced diet, exercise, and a calorie deficit.”
We also got valuable insights from Shruti K Bhardwaj, Chief Clinical Nutritionist at Zydus Hospital, Ahmedabad. She explains, “Reducing inflammation is like laying a solid foundation for better health. It supports your weight loss efforts but doesn’t replace key habits like eating well and staying active. Lowering inflammation helps your body respond better to healthy habits, making it an excellent starting point, but not the ultimate goal.”
Do anti-inflammatory foods or supplements help in fast weight loss?
Well, they actually go hand in hand. Anti-inflammatory foods like berries, nuts, and fatty fish can improve your health but don’t serve as a miracle for quick weight loss. Supplements which claim to fight inflammation often lack strong scientific backing for weight reduction. So, it’s better to stick to a holistic diet.
Studies show that anti-inflammatory diets like the Mediterranean diet can improve heart health and reduce chronic inflammation. However, weight loss from such diets comes from reduced calorie intake and healthier eating habits, not the inflammation reduction itself.
Why is weight loss more complex than reducing inflammation?
Weight loss involves a calorie deficit, where energy expenditure exceeds intake. Reducing inflammation helps improve overall health and may make it easier to stick to a healthy lifestyle. However, it doesn’t change the basic science of weight loss.
Factors like genetics, activity level, and gut health also play significant roles. For example, a 2016 study highlighted that gut microbiota (microscopic organisms that help digestion), influenced by diet, could impact weight gain and inflammation. However, reducing inflammation without addressing calorie intake or physical activity rarely results in meaningful weight changes.
Is inflammation reduction beneficial for health?
Yes, managing chronic inflammation is important for health but not for quick weight loss. Chronic inflammation is linked to conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis. Reducing inflammation can improve energy levels and metabolic health, making sustainable weight loss easier over time.
Methods to reduce inflammation include:
- Eating more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Avoiding processed foods and added sugars.
- Staying active and managing stress.
These habits contribute to long-term health and may facilitate weight management indirectly but do not cause immediate weight loss.
THIP Media Take
The claim that eliminating inflammation results in fast weight loss is false. While managing inflammation supports overall health and may assist long-term weight management, it does not directly cause rapid weight loss. Sustainable weight loss requires a balanced diet, regular exercise, and healthy lifestyle habits.
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