Excess Weight and IgG Food Allergies
Did you know that food allergies could lie at the root of obesity?
Obesity is characterised by a severe excess weight gain and a pathologically increased body fat percentage. While the exact mechanisms of this disease are not fully understood, it is well known that obesity is linked to metabolic disorders and IgG food allergies intensify the low-grade inflammatory processes that promote obesity. ImuPro helps you detect delayed food allergies and suggests remedial guidelines based on your test results.
Diagnosis of Obesity
Body Mass Index (BMI) is an indicator used to diagnose obesity. It is calculated by dividing a person's body weight in kilograms by the square of their height in metres (Kg/m2). People with a BMI of 25-29.9 kg/m2are classified as overweight while those with a BMI of >30 are considered obese.
Causes of Obesity
The principal cause for obesity and overweight is the imbalance between energy input via food intake and energy expended by the body through metabolic and physical activities. Genetics and environmental factors also influence weight gain.
Inflammatory response to food induces the production of messenger proteins like TNF-alpha which block insulin receptors, impeding the energy supply of cells.The blood sugar present in the blood either cannot or can only be transported to a restricted extent into the cell where it is urgently needed. This activates two mechanisms:
1. Conversion of sugar into fat
Due to the blockage of insulin receptors, blood sugar remains high. The liver converts the more and more blood sugar into fatty acids that get deposited in the fat cells. Blockage of insulin receptors produces more and more insulin which prevents the reconversion of fatty acids into blood sugar. This means that the energy stored in the fatty deposits are no longer available to the body
2. Decreased energy consumption
Owing to less energy at their disposal, individual cell activity is reduced, leading to a drop in basal metabolic rate (quantity of calories used at rest).
During an IgG food allergy, more IgG antibodies are produced. As more insulin receptors are blocked, TNF-alpha will be released in larger amounts and more receptors intended for insulin will be blocked. This in turn intensifies inflammatory processes.
Scientific Approach to Obesity and IgG
Identifying allergy producing food stuffs and corresponding dietary changes can positively influence inflammation. Studies show that an IgG diet has a positive effect on weight loss and stabilisation of glucose metabolism.
The study "IgG antibodies against food antigens are correlated with inflammation and intima media thickness in obese juveniles" Wilders-Truschnig et al. ECED published online 2007; DOI 10.1055/s-2007-993165 showed a clear correlation between obesity, elevated IgG antibodies and inflammation. Thus, elevated IgG levels for food could contribute in the gaining of excess weight.
