Inflammation: Is It Making You Fat?
- Pammie McQuesten
- Sep 23, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Jan 16

Is Inflammation Making You Fat?
Have you ever wondered why, despite eating well and exercising, you’re still struggling to lose weight? The answer might lie in something happening inside your body—inflammation. Inflammation is a natural part of your body’s defense system. When you get injured or face an infection, your immune system responds by releasing chemicals that cause inflammation, helping your body heal. This is healthy and necessary in the short term.
However, when inflammation becomes chronic—due to factors like stress, poor diet, or lack of sleep—it can do more harm than good. Chronic inflammation can disrupt your metabolism, hormones, and how your body stores fat, making it harder to shed those extra pounds. In fact, it can even contribute to a range of chronic health issues, from insulin resistance to heart disease.
When your body is constantly in a state of low-level inflammation, it starts to interfere with how efficiently it burns fat and regulates important hormones. Chronic inflammation can lead to fluid retention, which may cause temporary weight gain and fluctuations. This is because the body releases chemicals that increase blood flow to inflamed areas, resulting in swelling and fluid accumulation. While this isn’t the same as gaining fat, it can lead to noticeable changes on the scale.
Signs You May Have Chronic Inflammation
Sometimes inflammation isn’t obvious, but there are signs that your body may be dealing with it, including:

• Unexplained weight gain, particularly around the midsection. This may include fluid retention caused by inflammation, leading to daily fluctuations in weight.

• Fatigue and low energy levels, even after getting rest.

• Digestive issues, such as bloating or irregular bowel movements.

• Joint pain or stiffness.

• Skin issues, like rashes or unexplained breakouts.
This connection between inflammation and weight gain highlights why it’s crucial to focus on eliminating factors that contribute to an inflammatory response. By addressing the underlying causes of inflammation—such as diet, stress, and lifestyle—you can not only manage your weight more effectively but also enhance your overall health.
How to Reduce Inflammation and Support Weight Loss
Reducing chronic inflammation doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are some effective strategies to help you get back on track:
• Anti-Inflammatory Diet: Focus on eating whole, nutrient-dense foods. Fill your plate with vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, healthy fats like olive oil and avocados, and foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids like salmon or flaxseeds. Try cutting back on sugar, processed foods, and refined carbs.

• Mindfulness and Stress Management: Incorporating mindfulness practices, like meditation or deep breathing exercises, can help reduce stress and lower inflammation. Even setting aside a few minutes a day can make a big difference in managing your cortisol levels.
• Exercise Regularly: Physical activity helps regulate inflammation. Aim for moderate exercise, such as walking, yoga, or swimming, which can lower inflammation without putting too much stress on your body.
• Get Quality Sleep: Prioritize good sleep hygiene by creating a bedtime routine, limiting screen time before bed, and ensuring you get seven to eight hours of sleep each night. Restful sleep allows your body to recover and reduce inflammation.
• Supplements: Certain supplements can help reduce inflammation. Omega-3 fatty acids, turmeric (which contains curcumin), and probiotics are known for their anti-inflammatory properties. However, always consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new supplements.
By addressing inflammation, you can create a healthier environment in your body that supports weight management and overall wellness. Remember, it’s never too late to take control of your health!
How Long Have You Been Stuck in Your Health Journey?
Be honest with yourself: how long have you been struggling with stubborn weight, fatigue, digestive issues, or joint pain? Have you been stuck in a cycle of doing all the “right” things—eating well, exercising, managing stress—but still not seeing results?
How much longer are you willing to go it alone, hoping things will change? If what you’ve been doing hasn’t worked so far, is it time to try something different?
The truth is, chronic inflammation could be silently sabotaging your efforts. Left unaddressed, it won’t just disappear. In fact, it can make things worse over time, disrupting your hormones, slowing your metabolism, and affecting your overall well-being.
• Are you tired of feeling like you’re on a never-ending rollercoaster of weight gain, low energy, and discomfort?
• Sick of waking up each day feeling exhausted or frustrated that your body isn’t responding to your efforts?
• Ready to finally get off this rollercoaster and reclaim control over your health?
Here’s where I can help. With my specialized testing for hormone imbalances, gut health, and food sensitivities, we can stop guessing and start finding the real root
causes of your health issues. No more wasting precious time on trial and error. Together, we’ll create a personalized, data-driven plan that works for your unique body.
Sign up for a FREE consultation today! If you mention this blog during your consultation, you’ll receive a special gift as a thank-you for taking the first step toward better health. Don’t wait—click below to schedule your free consultation now!
Comments