People who are obese (more than 20% over ideal weight) are more likely to have impaired immune systems, says a recent joint study from Appalachian State and Loma Linda Universities. This supports previous reports that obese persons suffer more infectious illnesses than those of normal weight do.
Moreover, the obese women in the study exhibited elevated blood levels of leukocytes and neutrophils--specialized immune cells--which may contribute to the increased risk of heart disease seen in those who are overweight.