Obesity as a Risk Factor for Autoimmune Diseases: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors' conclusion
Although definitive conclusions are still precluded for the single diseases, overall evidence supports obesity as a risk factor for autoimmunity.
Study context
- Population
- Studies of obesity and prevalence and/or incidence of autoimmune diseases (PubMed, Embase)26 studies
- Comparison
- Obesity vs normal weight
- Outcome
- Prevalence or incidence of autoimmune diseases (adjusted OR or HR)
Methodological detailsfixed effect models, generic inverse variance, 1,311 records screened; 8 cross-sectional and 18 longitudinal studies included
- Fixed effect models
- Generic inverse variance
- 1,311 records screened; 8 cross-sectional and 18 longitudinal studies included
Pooled result
As reported in the abstract
Each group vs normal weightEstimate (95% CI)P value
Obesity
OR (prevalence of rheumatoid arthritis) 1.11(1.06–1.16)
P < 0.00001Obesity
OR (prevalence of psoriasis) 1.35(1.14–1.59)
P = 0.0004Obesity
HR (incident rheumatoid arthritis) 1.30(1.15–1.49)
P < 0.0001Obesity
HR (incident psoriasis) 1.18(1.16–1.20)
P < 0.00001Obesity
HR (incident multiple sclerosis) 1.49(1.25–1.77)
P < 0.00001Obesity
HR (incident Crohn's/ulcerative colitis) 1.35(1.11–1.65)
P < 0.003Obesity
HR (incident any autoimmune disease) 1.41(1.24–1.62)
P < 0.00001Original publication
Obesity as a Risk Factor for Autoimmune Diseases: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis. Obesity (Silver Spring). Published 4 November 2025. doi:10.
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