Research Reveals Why Lost Weight Returns Within Weeks

New Delhi: A new study conducted by researchers at ETH Zurich, Switzerland, reveals that fat cells retain a memory of obesity, which significantly contributes to rapid weight regain.

The study, led by Professor Ferdinand von Meyenn, an expert in Nutrition and Metabolic Epigenetics, highlights how obesity induces specific epigenetic changes in fat cells. These changes persist even after weight loss, making it easier for fat cells to revert to their former state.

Using mice as a model, the research team analyzed fat cells from overweight mice and those that had reduced weight through dieting. They discovered that the mice with epigenetic markers linked to obesity regained weight much faster when exposed again to a high-fat diet. These markers, known as epigenetic modifications, regulate gene activity and determine which genes remain active or dormant in the body.

The findings were corroborated in humans. Researchers analyzed fat tissue biopsies from individuals who had undergone weight loss surgeries like gastric bypass. The results mirrored the observations in mice, showing similar mechanisms at play.

The study, published in the journal Nature, is the first to demonstrate that fat cells possess an "epigenetic memory" of obesity. This memory allows fat cells to regain their former state quickly, contributing to challenges in maintaining weight loss.

Professor von Meyenn emphasized the importance of preventing obesity, especially among children, adolescents, and adults, as the simplest way to avoid this phenomenon. "Once the epigenetic changes occur, the body is more likely to revert to its overweight state," he explained.

Interestingly, the researchers suggest that fat cells may not be the only ones with this "memory" ability. The team hypothesized that other cells in the body—such as those in the brain, blood vessels, or other organs—might also retain a memory of obesity, contributing to weight regain. Future studies aim to explore these possibilities further.

The findings provide new insights into the biological mechanisms underlying weight regain and could pave the way for more effective long-term weight management strategies. They also underline the importance of addressing obesity early to prevent its lasting impact on the body.