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Hidden obesity alert: A cookie daily can still damage your gut, says study

Researchers found that just two days of consuming foods high in saturated fats triggers inflammation

Written by: Parul

3 min readUpdated: Jun 13, 2025 11:04 AM IST

Dr Kochhar sounds the alarm on fast food, which contains both saturated fats and ultra-processed foods. (Representational Photo)

Next time you pick up a small pouch of French fries, a cheese burger, cookie or a muffin, thinking that tiny snack indulgence may be inconsequential in your overall healthy diet plan, think again. All of them contain saturated fats (bad fats that remain solid at room temperature) that may trigger inflammation throughout the body even in small doses.

An Australian study suggests that a high-fat diet has a corrosive effect on gut lining and defences, allowing toxins and bacteria to leak into the bloodstream. It reveals that just two days of consuming foods high in saturated fats significantly reduced levels of a key protein that helps protect the gut and control inflammation.

According to study author Dr Cyril Seillet, the higher the consumption of saturated fats, the higher the inflammation. Over time, this weakens our gut defences, increasing our susceptibility to chronic inflammation.

Why is the study significant?

Dr Rakesh Kochhar, former HOD, gastroenterology, PGI, Chandigarh, says the study from Australia, though in mice, has implications for humans because it shows how even a few fatty meals, say an occasional fried food, can trigger inflammation.

“The other implication is that by using healthier, unsaturated fats (healthier and liquid at room temperature), we can improve gut health, which prevents many of our chronic illnesses. The rising incidence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and autoimmunity is linked to the altered microbiome of the gut, resulting from higher intake of fats and ultra-processed food. These two are also responsible for the obesity epidemic and the spurt in diabetes and fatty liver,” he adds.

How high fat foods cause inflammation?

Inflammation, says Dr Nancy Sahni, chief dietician, Department of Dietetics, PGI, Chandigarh, is the body’s natural response to any external or internal injury resulting in swelling, pain and other discomfort to the affected part. “Since fatty foods are mostly processed, with unknown artificial ingredients in the form of additives, preservatives, and trans fats, these trigger a response comparable to an injury resulting in inflammation in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. This has a cascading effect on all peripheral organs and tissues,” she says.

Dr Kochhar sounds the alarm on fast food, which contains both saturated fats and ultra-processed foods. “The latter have emulsifiers, additives, food colours and microplastics, all of which disrupt the gut barrier, causing inflammation. Indian street food uses hydrogenated oils and palm oil, both of which are unhealthy. Moreover, reusing these oils for repeated frying generates carcinogens,” he warns.

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Obesity is a state of chronic inflammation

Obesity, says Dr Amit Garg, Associate Director, Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery, Park Hospital, Mohali, itself is a state of chronic inflammation. “It is one of the main reasons for arthritis or joint pains, backache, spondylitis etc. As you eat a high-fat diet and develop obesity, this inflammation is silent for years, and later it presents with chronic inflammation and weakens our gut defence mechanisms,” he says.

Parul

Parul is a Principal Correspondent at The Indian Express in Chandigarh. She is a seasoned journalist with over 25 years of experience specializing in public health, higher education, and the architectural heritage of Northern India. Professional Profile Education: Graduate in Humanities with a specialized focus on Journalism and Mass Communication from Panjab University, Chandigarh. Career Path: She began her career covering local city beats and human interest stories before joining The Indian Express in 2009. Over the last decade and a half, she has risen to the rank of Principal Correspondent, becoming the publication’s primary voice on Chandigarh’s premier medical and academic institutions. Expertise: Her reporting is deeply rooted in the institutional dynamics of PGIMER (Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research) and Panjab University. She is highly regarded for her ability to navigate complex administrative bureaucracies to deliver student-centric and patient-centric news. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2024 - 2025) Her recent work highlights critical reporting on healthcare infrastructure, academic governance, and urban culture: 1. Public Health & PGIMER "PGIMER expands digital registry: Centralized patient records to reduce wait times by 40%" (Nov 20, 2025): A detailed look at the digital transformation of one of India's busiest medical institutes to tackle patient influx. "Robotic Surgery at PGI: Why the new urology wing is a game-changer for North India" (Oct 12, 2025): Reporting on the acquisition of state-of-the-art medical technology and its impact on affordable healthcare. "Shortage of life-saving drugs: Inside the supply chain crisis at government pharmacies" (Dec 5, 2025): An investigative piece on the logistical hurdles affecting chronic patients in the tri-city area. 2. Education & Institutional Governance "Panjab University Senate Election: The battle for institutional autonomy" (Dec 18, 2025): In-depth coverage of the high-stakes internal elections and the friction between traditional governance and central reforms. "Research funding dip: How PU’s science departments are navigating the 2025 budget cuts" (Nov 5, 2025): An analysis of the fiscal challenges facing researchers and the impact on India's global academic ranking. 3. Art, Culture & Heritage "Le Corbusier’s legacy in peril: The struggle to preserve Chandigarh’s Capitol Complex" (Dec 22, 2025): A feature on the conservation efforts and the tension between urban modernization and UNESCO heritage status. "Chandigarh Art District: How street murals are reclaiming the city’s grey walls" (Oct 30, 2025): A cultural profile of the local artists transforming the aesthetic of the "City Beautiful." Signature Style Parul is known for her empathetic lens, often centering her stories on the individuals affected by policy—whether it is a student navigating university red tape or a patient seeking care. She possesses a unique ability to translate dense administrative notifications into actionable information for the public. Her long-standing beat experience makes her a trusted source for "inside-track" developments within Chandigarh’s most guarded institutions. X (Twitter): @parul_express ... Read More