If you are obese then your immune system might be weak, as Australian research scientists report that by losing as little as 13 pounds can strengthen a weak immune system. This is specifically applicable to obese people with Type 2 diabetes.

Obese people with Type 2 diabetes or prediabetes were studied for about 24 weeks by Dr Alex Viardot, a clinical research officer, and Dr. Katherine Samaras, an associate professor, both from the Garvan Institute of Medical Research, in Sydney, Australia. These people were given a diet that was limited to 1,000 to 1600 calories per day.

After about 12 weeks, gastric banding surgery was performed on these subjects for enhancing the diet.

It was noted by the two Australian researchers that an 80 per cent reduction of pro-inflammatory T-helper cells was seen among people who were studied and this indicated that their was a boost in their immunity.

A decrease in macrophages in fat and a reduction in the numbers of circulating immune cells such as T cells, monocytes, and neutrophils was also noted.

Study researcher Katherine Samaras, a professor the institute said, “The situation has reached crisis point, and people must be made aware that excess fat will affect their immune systems and therefore their survival.”