Scientists from ETH Zurich have discovered an epigenetic mechanism that explains the notorious yo-yo effect in weight loss. The study reveals that fat cells retain a “memory” of obesity through chemical markers that persist even after weight reduction. By studying fat cells in both mice and humans, the researchers found that these epigenetic changes make it easier for individuals to regain weight after dieting, as the cells can more readily return to their previous overweight state. Additionally, the study highlights that fat cells are long-lived, with an average lifespan of 10 years.
Currently, there is no medical way to erase these epigenetic markers. The researchers emphasize prevention as the key strategy, particularly advising children, young people, and their parents to avoid becoming overweight in the first place. While the research focused on fat cells, the scientists speculate that other cells in the body, such as those in the brain and blood vessels, might also contribute to this weight memory phenomenon, which they plan to investigate further.
Image from Unsplash by Diana Polekhina.