Original Article A retrospective cohort study of the effect of weight loss on chronic inflammation and sleep quality

While obesity and other diseases have been linked to chronic inflammation of the body, the underlying mechanisms of the relationship between obesity and chronic inflammation remain unclear. Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is an effective indicator of chronic inflammation. Thus, we aimed to explore the relationship between obesity and inflammation by tracking weight changes and NLR. This study included 425 participants who received health examinations at our hospital for two consecutive years, and whose body mass index (BMI) was greater than 28 at the time of their first consultation. Participants were divided into three groups based on BMI changes (less than one unit, greater than one but less than three units, and greater than three units). BMI and NLR changes were examined over two years to assess the relationship between them, compared to baseline data while using linear regression to do correlation analysis, and to observe changes of BMI in improving sleep quality. NLR decreased significantly among participants with a BMI change greater than three units. There were no significant changes in people with BMI changes of less than three units. Linear regression between BMI and NLR showed a significant linear relationship. Sleep quality was also significantly reduced in people with a BMI change greater than three units. The present study indicated that chronic inflammation might be ameliorated by a decrease in BMI. Further, a decline in BMI plays an important role in improving sleep quality.