Traumatic brain injury (TBI) presents a critical global health challenge with far-reaching systemic consequences beyond neurological impairments. Increasing evidence highlights the heightened risk of obesity and cardiovascular disease (CVD) among TBI survivors, yet the mechanisms linking these conditions remain inadequately understood. Addressing this research gap is essential for reducing the long-term health burden in TBI patients. This review aims to elucidate the systemic pathways through which TBI contributes to obesity and CVD, focusing on neurohormonal dysregulation, inflammation, and metabolic disruption. The objective is to provide an integrated framework that clarifies the interplay between TBI-induced systemic changes and chronic disease development. Drawing on clinical and experimental studies, the methodology involves analyzing alterations in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, autonomic dysfunction, and chronic inflammation, as well as their roles in metabolic and cardiovascular complications. Key findings indicate that TBI-induced disruptions in the HPA axis impair energy balance and food regulation, promoting weight gain and metabolic syndrome. Additionally, chronic neuroinflammation elevates cytokine levels, exacerbating vascular dysfunction and increasing cardiovascular risks. Autonomic dysfunction further amplifies hypertension and predisposes patients to CVD through heightened sympathetic activity and reduced baroreceptor sensitivity. This review underscores the importance of a multimodal approach to managing these interconnected risks, including metabolic and cardiovascular assessments, lifestyle interventions, and early therapeutic strategies tailored to TBI patients. The implications are profound, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to address the unique vulnerabilities of TBI survivors. By addressing the critical research gaps in the systemic impact of TBI, this work provides a foundation for future studies and clinical innovations to effectively mitigate the risks of obesity and CVD, improving long-term outcomes for TBI patients.

Key words: Traumatic brain injury (TBI), Obesity, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA), cardiovascular disease (CVD), hypertension