Pathophysiology of the Pro-Inflammatory State of Obesity

Obesity is more common and is gradually changing how doctors and patients interact. We are aware of no single study that summarises the impact of obesity on hematologic parameters and thrombotic risk, despite the fact that there is a substantial body of evidence showing that obesity is a condition of low-grade inflammation. With the exception of a few systematic reviews and meta-analyses of these investigations, the majority of the articles that came up in our literature search were observational studies. We were careful to evaluate the mechanisms underlying inflammation and how fat affects platelets, red blood cells, white blood cells and thrombotic risk. This inflammatory state causes a relative and occasionally absolute leukocytosis to be seen. Additionally, obesity is linked to higher platelet counts and a higher risk of Venous Thromboembolism (VTE). Last but not least, there may or may not be a connection between obesity, Iron Deficiency (ID) and red blood cell numbers. Understanding the aforementioned relationships may give clinicians peace of mind regarding otherwise inexplicable hematologic anomalies in obese people. We hope that this review will serve as a springboard for further research into the mechanisms underlying these abnormalities, the identification of modifiable risk factors and the identification of potential therapeutic targets to halt the progression of likely obesity-related conditions with high morbidity and mortality, such as ID and VTE.