Abstract

Obesity-associated inflammation is a central driver of metabolic dysfunction, contributing to insulin resistance, 
type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. This chronic low-grade 
inflammatory state originates primarily from dysfunctional white adipose tissue and is characterized by immune 
cell infiltration, cytokine overproduction, oxidative stress, and altered tissue architecture. Early detection and 
precise intervention remain major challenges due to the diffuse and heterogeneous nature of obesity-related 
inflammation. Theranostic nanoparticles integrated platforms combining diagnostic imaging and therapeutic 
functions have emerged as a powerful strategy to address these challenges simultaneously. By enabling real
time visualization of inflamed tissues while delivering targeted anti-inflammatory or metabolic therapies, 
theranostic nanomaterials offer unprecedented opportunities for precision medicine in obesity. These 
nanoparticles can be engineered to respond to inflammatory cues, selectively accumulate in inflamed adipose 
depots, and provide multimodal imaging capabilities such as magnetic resonance imaging, fluorescence imaging, 
positron emission tomography, or photoacoustic imaging. This review provides a comprehensive overview of 
the molecular basis of obesity-associated inflammation, principles of theranostic nanoparticle design, and current 
advances in imaging-guided treatment strategies. We discuss key nanoplatforms, preclinical applications, 
translational challenges, and future perspectives, highlighting the potential of theranostic nanotechnology to 
transform the diagnosis and management of obesity-related inflammatory disorders.