inflammation

At first that looks like inflammation, but after a while they can kind of end up permanently swollen – at least in mouse studies.

For instance, GLP-1s seem to lower molecules associated with inflammation, which is known to increase cardiovascular risk.

You notice this as inflammation.

Other times, pathogens like viruses or parasites activate the immune system, causing inflammation.

This actually triggers a stress response in our body that is associated with heightened levels of cortisol, that's associated with more inflammation, which weakens our immune systems and actually makes us more susceptible to disease.