Silent inflammation behind fatigue, weight gain and falling sperm health

Persistent fatigue, unexplained weight gain and declining sperm health are increasingly being reported by relatively young patients, often treated as unrelated complaints. However, endocrinologists now point to a deeper, common culprit, chronic low-grade inflammation. In an interview with this correspondent, Dr Hetashvi Gondaliya, specialist in Diabetes and Endocrinology at CK Birla Hospitals, Jaipur, explains how silent inflammation disrupts hormones, metabolism and reproductive health simultaneously. She warns that modern lifestyles are quietly fuelling this condition, but emphasises that timely intervention and lifestyle correction can reverse the damage and restore long-term health.

ONE ROOT CAUSE, MULTIPLE SYMPTOMS

“Constant fatigue, unexplained weight gain, and declining sperm health are often treated as separate problems, but chronic low-grade inflammation is the common link connecting them,” says Dr Gondaliya. Clinically, she notes that many patients undergo fragmented treatment without addressing the underlying inflammatory state driving these symptoms.

Low-grade inflammation, unlike acute illness, develops silently over years, gradually disturbing the body’s regulatory systems and reducing overall resilience.

HORMONES UNDER INFLAMMATORY STRESS

“Persistent inflammation interferes with hormone balance,” Dr Gondaliya explains. “It increases cortisol and impairs the action of insulin and testosterone, leading to increased fat storage.”

This hormonal disruption slows metabolism, promotes abdominal obesity and worsens insulin resistance. In men, reduced testosterone levels further compound fatigue, mood changes and reproductive decline, creating a vicious metabolic cycle.

IMPACT ON SPERM HEALTH AND FERTILITY

The effects extend beyond weight and energy levels. “At the same time, oxidative stress damages sperm cells, reducing their count, motility and DNA quality,” she says.

From an endocrine perspective, this explains why many men with obesity or metabolic syndrome also present with subfertility. The damage is often gradual and goes unnoticed until fertility testing reveals compromised sperm parameters.

LIFESTYLE FACTORS FUELLING SILENT INFLAMMATION

Dr Gondaliya identifies several everyday habits driving this inflammatory burden. “Sedentary lifestyle, poor sleep, high-calorie ultra-processed food consumption, physical inactivity, smoking, alcohol consumption and chronic stress quietly fuel this inflammatory state,” she says.

Urban lifestyles, long working hours and minimal physical activity have normalised these risk factors, making inflammation a widespread but under-recognised health issue.

REVERSIBLE DAMAGE WITH TIMELY ACTION

Despite the concerning trends, Dr Gondaliya stresses that inflammation is not a permanent condition. “The good news is that inflammation is reversible,” she says.

“Regular exercise, weight reduction, a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and healthy fats, adequate sleep, stress management and treatment of underlying conditions like obesity, insulin resistance or thyroid disorders can significantly improve energy levels, metabolic health and reproductive outcomes.”

Rather than masking symptoms, she adds, “addressing inflammation helps restore the body’s balance,” offering long-term benefits across multiple systems.