The relationship between anemia and obesity

ABSTRACT

Introduction

Obesity is linked to a variety of unfavorable outcomes, including anemia, which is a serious global public health problem. The prevalence of obesity along with anemia suggests a relationship between obesity and anemia. Recent studies have demonstrated strong associations between anemia and obesity, chronic diseases, aging, hepato-renal impairment, chronic infection, autoimmune diseases, and widespread malignancy. Thus, the intersection point of obesity and anemia is an important area of attention.

Area Covered

This paper reviews the pathophysiology of obesity and anemia. Then, It deliberates the relationship between obesity and different types of anemia and other clinical forms associated with anemia.

Expert Opinion

Obesity, especially obesity-related to excessive visceral fat distribution, is accompanied by several disturbances at the endothelial, hormonal, and inflammatory levels. These disturbances induce activation of several mechanisms that contribute to the anemic state. Over-weight patients with chronic anaemias are required to maintain the related vitamins and minerals at optimum levels and appropriate BMI. In addition, a regular clinical follow-up is essential to be scheduled to reduce the risk of complications associated with anemia in obese patients.

KEYWORDS:

• Obesity
• anemia
• pathophysiological mechanisms

Article highlights

• Obesity is associated with fatal diseases, including hyperlipidemia, atherosclerosis, diabetes, ischemic heart disease, sleep apnea, blood pressure issues, and sleep apnoea.

• Anaemia and changes in iron homeostasis are two erythropoiesis-related disorders that are frequently linked to obesity.

• Activation of pro-inflammatory substances is a hallmark in obese patients that disturb the regulation of erythpoises

• Assessing the level of iron, Hepcidin, and pro-inflammatory as laboratory biomarker is essential in identifying a proper regime for treating anaemia associated with obesity.

• In the clinical environment, it is crucial to continuously monitor dietary iron consumption in patients receiving medical nutrition therapy for weight loss and increased physical activity.

Declaration of interest

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

Reviewer disclosures

Peer reviewers on this manuscript have no relevant financial or other relationships to disclose.

Additional information

Funding

This paper was not funded.