The role of lifestyle-related inflammation in linking depression and metabolic disorders
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.12775/JEHS.2026.89.70298Keywords
depression, inflammation, metabolic syndrome, obesity, insulin resistance, immunometabolism, lifestyle, health promotionAbstract
Depressive disorders and metabolic diseases, including obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and metabolic syndrome, frequently co-occur and represent a major public health burden. Increasing evidence indicates that this relationship is bidirectional and may be explained by shared biological mechanisms. Chronic low-grade inflammation has been proposed as a key link between these conditions. This narrative review summarizes current evidence on the role of chronic low-grade inflammation in the interaction between depression and metabolic disorders, with particular emphasis on modifiable lifestyle-related factors. Metabolic disorders are associated with persistent immune activation and elevated inflammatory mediators, while a subset of patients with depression also exhibits low-grade systemic inflammation. Lifestyle-related factors, including diet, physical inactivity, sleep disturbances, and chronic stress, may contribute to sustained inflammatory activation. Chronic low-grade inflammation may therefore represent a common pathway linking depressive and metabolic disorders and support integrated approaches to prevention and management.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Melania Majewska, Natalia Piasecka, Natalia Miara, Martyna Kadłubańska, Joanna Strzyż, Dorota Szydłowska, Aleksandra Baraniecka, Karolina Szpilczyńska
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