Body mass index and gastrointestinal inflammation: Bio-molecular pathophysiology

Figure 1 Schematic representation of gastrointestinal inflammation as a central correlation in obesity-associated metabolic dysregulation. Chronic positive energy balance leads to increased body mass index and excessive adiposity, which are associated with alterations in gut microbiota (dysbiosis) and increased intestinal permeability. These changes encourage translocation of microbial products and triggering of local and systemic immune responses, resulting in low-grade chronic inflammation. The digestive tract is instrumental in the development of metabolic syndrome and gastrointestinal symptoms, reinforcing systemic metabolic dysfunction. This interconnected network highlights the gastrointestinal tract as a key interface among environmental, metabolic, and immune factors involved in the pathophysiology of overweight and obesity-related chronic diseases. GI: Gastrointestinal; BMI: Body mass index.