Obesity is often associated with a chronic, low-grade inflammatory state affecting the entire body. This sustained inflammatory state disrupts the coordinated communication between the periphery and the brain, which has a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis through humoural, nutrient-mediated, immune and nervous signalling pathways. The inflammatory changes induced by obesity specifically affect communication interfaces, including the blood–brain barrier, glymphatic system and meninges. Consequently, brain areas near the third ventricle, including the hypothalamus and other cognition-relevant regions, become susceptible to impairments, resulting in energy homeostasis dysregulation and an elevated risk of cognitive impairments such as Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. This Review explores the intricate communication between the brain and the periphery, highlighting the effect of obesity-induced inflammation on brain function.

肥胖通常与影响整个身体的慢性、低度炎症状态有关。这种持续的炎症状态破坏了外周和大脑之间的协调沟通，而大脑通过体液、营养介导、免疫和神经信号通路维持体内平衡起着至关重要的作用。肥胖引起的炎症变化特别影响通讯界面，包括血脑屏障、类淋巴系统和脑膜。因此，第三脑室附近的大脑区域，包括下丘脑和其他认知相关区域，很容易受到损害，导致能量稳态失调，并增加阿尔茨海默病和痴呆等认知障碍的风险。这篇综述探讨了大脑与周围环境之间复杂的沟通，强调了肥胖引起的炎症对大脑功能的影响。