The effect of dietary weight-loss interventions on the inflammatory markers Interleukin-6 and TNF-alpha in adults with obesity: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled clinical trials

  • Cate Bulmer* (Corresponding Author)
  • , Alison Avenell
  • *Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Background
A chronic inflammatory state characterizes a wide range of diseases for which obesity is a risk factor. Weight loss could reduce levels of circulating inflammatory markers potentially reducing the incidence of associated diseases and improving response to treatment. However, dietary weight loss studies have reported inconsistent effects on serum inflammatory makers and the long-term effects are unknown.

Objective
To systematically review randomized controlled trials and analyze any differences in serum interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha between adults with obesity achieving weight loss through dietary intervention compared to those receiving none or standard care.

Methods
Studies were identified by searching databases from 1966 to November 2024. Randomized controlled trials with at least 12 months' follow-up were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis with an assessment of Cochrane risk of bias version 1.

Results
Twelve eligible studies were included. No trials reported a significant effect of weight loss on circulating tumor necrosis factor-alpha, whilst studies achieving greater than 5% weight loss significantly reduced circulating interleukin-6 in adults with obesity.

Conclusion
Weight loss interventions achieving and maintaining greater than 5% weight loss appear to be required to reduce circulating interleukin-6 levels in adults with obesity.
Original languageEnglish
Article numbere13910
Number of pages11
JournalObesity Reviews
Volume26
Issue number7
Early online date16 Mar 2025
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jul 2025

Bibliographical note

We thank Paul Manson, information scientist, Health Services Research Unit, University of Aberdeen for his assistance in designing and conducting the systematic search to identify articles for this review, as well as the staff at Dr Gray's Hospital library for their support in running the search, and Simone Ahmed (SA) for her assistance literature searching. Thank you also to Mateu Serra-Prat for providing further study data.

UN SDGs

This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

  1. SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being
    SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being

Keywords

  • diet
  • inflammation
  • inflammatory markers
  • multimorbidity
  • obesity
  • weight loss

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