Obesity Related Inflammatory Markers in the Elderly Population: A Narrative Review
Authors:
- Georgia VamvakouGVGeorgia Vamvakou
- Nikolaos TheodorakisNikolaos Theodorakis
- Dimitrios AnagnostouDADimitrios Anagnostou
- Magdalini KreouziMKMagdalini Kreouzi
- Loukianos S. RallidisLRLoukianos S. Rallidis
- Vasiliki KatsiVKVasiliki Katsi
- Effie SimouESEffie Simou
- Stefanos ArchontakisSAStefanos Archontakis
- George SkalisGSGeorge Skalis
- Christos HitasCHChristos Hitas
- Konstantinos ToutouzasKonstantinos Toutouzas
- Maria NikolaouMNMaria Nikolaou
Preprint
- 28 September 2025
- preprint
- Published by MDPI AG in Preprints.org
Abstract
Obesity in elderly individuals is associated with increased levels of inflammatory biomarkers, indicating a state of chronic low-grade inflammation, which has been recently termed as inflammaging and adipaging. Several studies have demonstrated this relationship: Overweight and obese middle-aged and elderly individuals show elevated levels of inflammatory markers like CXCL-16, IL-6, and adipokines compared to normal-weight counterparts. These markers positively correlate with anthropometric parameters indicating increased cardiovascular risk. C-reactive protein (CRP) and fibrinogen levels increase progressively with higher obesity classes in the general population, including the elderly . For instance, CRP levels nearly double with each increase in weight class compared to normal weight individuals. Additionally, the presence of obesity-related comorbidities like hypertension or diabetes further elevates these inflammatory markers. In conclusion, obesity in the elderly is characterized by elevated levels of various inflammatory biomarkers, reflecting a state of chronic low-grade inflammation. This inflammatory state may contribute to the development of obesity-related comorbidities. The clarification of the complementary or independent role of these biomarkers in aging and obesity could lead to targeted therapeutic interventions in this vulnerable population group.Keywords
All Related Versions
- Version 1, 2025-09-28, Preprints
- Published version: Cells, 14 (21), 1733.
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