Introduction:: The accumulation of visceral fat in obesity is associated with excessive production of proinflammatory adipokines, which contributes to low-grade chronic inflammation state. Moreover, the literature has shown that mineral deficiency, in particular of magnesium, has important role in the pathogenesis of this metabolic disorder with relevant clinical repercussions.
Objective:: To bring updated information about the participation of hypomagnesemia in the manifestation of low-grade chronic inflammation in obese individuals.
Method:: Articles published in PubMed, SciELO, LILACS and ScienceDirect, using the following keywords: "obesity," "magnesium" and "low grade inflammation."
Results:: Scientific evidence suggests that magnesium deficiency favors the manifestation of low-grade chronic inflammation in obese subjects.
Conclusion:: From literature data, it is evident the participation of magnesium through biochemical and metabolic reactions in protecting against this metabolic disorder present in obesity.