A Rundown of Your Immune System
Your immune system is your body’s primary defense against sickness and harmful infections.1 It is “on” twenty-four hours a day and is actively protecting you, even while you sleep.
The major components of your immune system include organs, cells, and proteins in your blood. When a harmful pathogen is detected, also known as an antigen, your immune response is activated.1
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Essential Components
White blood cells, specifically T cells, are the primary soldiers that fight on your immune system's behalf. They locate the harmful pathogen and work on eliminating it from the body. If this is the first time your body has encountered these new germs or viruses, it can take a bit longer to heal.1
The good news is that your immune system diligently takes notes, so if that germ ever comes back in the future, your body should know how to defend itself and heal faster.
Autoimmune Diseases
Sometimes the immune system can get confused and attack cells in the body that are harmless. This is commonly seen in autoimmune diseases, which affect approximately 23 million Americans.2
People who suffer from autoimmune conditions often see a change in their weight as a result of their condition. Some people experience weight loss, but many people end up gaining weight which is likely due to chronic inflammation.2
Despite their best efforts, people who suffer from these conditions may have a more difficult time achieving long-term weight loss results.
If you know that you suffer from an autoimmune condition and can not lose weight, follow up with your health care provider to discuss options suitable to your needs.
<p class="pro-tip"><strong>Learn about </strong> <a href="/blog/ways-to-reduce-inflammation#toc-inflammation-can-cause-leaky-gut-syndrome-">the connection between gut health and autoimmune disorders</a>.</p>
What Affects Your Immune Response?
There are several factors that can influence how well your immune system responds to potential threats:
<p class="pro-tip"><strong>Learn about </strong> <a href="/blog/age-glucose-levels">the connection between age and blood sugar levels</a>.</p>
Does Being Overweight Affect Your Immune System?
Undesired weight gain contributes to an increase in inflammatory responses in the body. This is because certain fat tissues, called adipose tissue, are hormonally active.3 The excess hormones directly impair immune responses, and you are less able to defend yourself from sickness or infection.4
A 2020 review confirmed that obesity impairs immune function, and increases the risk of severe infectious disease.5 There is very little evidence available on how the immune system of people who fall in the overweight category is affected.
What If You Are Underweight?
The CDC classifies being underweight with a body mass index (BMI) cutoff score of less than 18.56. When you are underweight your metabolism changes and your immune system is unable to function as efficiently. It can’t fight as hard to keep you healthy, and you are more likely to catch a cold that lingers.
There are several reasons why you may become underweight. It can be unintentional, and it can be very difficult to get back to a weight where you feel your best. If you need help gaining weight in a safe and healthy way consult your care team and ask to meet with a registered dietitian.
<p class="pro-tip"><strong>Learn about </strong> <a href="/blog/bmi">the limitations of BMI as a measurement of health</a>.</p>
