Nutritional and Behavioral Determinants of Metabolic Health in Rheumatic Diseases
A special issue of Nutrients (ISSN 2072-6643). This special issue belongs to the section "Nutritional Immunology".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 15 July 2026
Special Issue Editor
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
We invite investigators to submit their research to this Special Issue, “Nutritional and Behavioral Determinants of Metabolic Health in Rheumatic Diseases.”
Nutritional and behavioral factors play a critical role in shaping metabolic health among individuals with rheumatic diseases (RDs), influencing systemic inflammation, disease activity, and the development of metabolic and cardiovascular comorbidities. Emerging evidence suggests that anti-inflammatory dietary patterns, rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats, are associated with improved metabolic and inflammatory outcomes. However, diets high in processed foods, added sugars, and saturated fats may exacerbate inflammation and disease burden. In parallel, social determinants of health—including socioeconomic status and access to food—significantly influence dietary quality and metabolic risk.
Behavioral factors such as smoking, obesity, poor sleep quality, physical inactivity, and chronic stress further contribute to metabolic dysfunction and negatively affect symptom burden and quality of life (QoL). Conversely, regular physical activity, effective stress management, and adequate sleep are increasingly recognized as protective behaviors. Despite growing interest in lifestyle-based approaches, important gaps remain in understanding how specific dietary and behavioral patterns interact with clinical, pharmacologic, and sociodemographic factors to influence patient-reported and metabolic outcomes.
This Special Issue aims to advance evidence on integrated, targeted lifestyle interventions to address the complex metabolic challenges faced by individuals with rheumatic diseases. We welcome submissions of original research—including observational and interventional studies—as well as narrative and systematic reviews that address nutritional, behavioral, and psychosocial determinants of metabolic health in patients with rheumatic conditions.
Prof. Dr. Maura Daly Iversen
Guest Editor
Manuscript Submission Information
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Keywords
- nutritional determinants
- behavioral factors
- metabolic health
- rheumatic diseases
- comorbidities
- inflammation
- dietary patterns
- physical activity
- lifestyle interventions
- chronic stress
- quality of life
- integrative approaches
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