Regaining What Was Lost? Blame the Persistent Fragmented Memories of Fat Cells
Researchers at ETH Zurich have discovered that fat cells retain an epigenetic memory of obesity, potentially explaining the common phenomenon of weight cycling or "yo-yo effect." Unlike traditional genetic markers, epigenetic markers can change throughout a person's lifetime due to factors like environment, diet, and body weight.
The researchers analyzed fat cells from overweight mice and those that shed excess weight through diet. They found epigenetic changes in the nucleus of fat cells caused by obesity, which persist even after a diet. "The fat cells remember the overweight state and can return to it more easily," said study leader Ferdinand von Meyenn, a professor at ETH Zurich.
Mice with these epigenetic markers regained weight more quickly when reintroduced to a high-fat diet. The team also found evidence for this mechanism in humans by analyzing biopsies from formerly overweight individuals who had undergone stomach reduction or gastric bypass surgery. Their findings were consistent with those of the mice.
Though the researchers have not determined how long fat cells can remember obesity, they typically live for ten years before the body replaces them. Regrettably, it's currently impossible to change the relevant epigenetic markers that erase these memories. "Maybe that's something we'll be able to do in the future," said doctoral student Laura Hinte.
Von Meyenn emphasized the importance of maintaining a healthy weight to combat weight cycling: "Maintaining a lean body weight is the simplest way to avoid the yo-yo phenomenon." Although these findings may seem discouraging, the researchers hope that young people focus on preventing obesity to avoid the challenges associated with fat cell memory. For adults struggling with weight problems, avoiding weight cycling is crucial for long-term weight management.
When attempting to lose weight, the researchers advise shifting focus from calories to exercise once the weight is lost, maintaining a different approach for keeping the weight off.
Research suggests that maintaining lean body weight requires more emphasis on regular exercise, improving metabolic health, and fostering healthy behaviors beyond mere calorie restriction.
People who focus on wellness and health-and-wellness might be interested in the recent findings about fat cells retaining epigenetic memory of obesity. This science discovery could explain the common phenomenon of weight cycling, or the "yo-yo effect." The researchers are hoping their study gets more attention as it could yield insights into weight management, particularly medical-conditions related to obesity. Given that epigenetic markers can change due to factors like diet and body weight, understanding this mechanism could lead to targeted strategies for nutrition, not just calorie counting, but also incorporating exercise and promoting healthier behaviors for long-term weight management.
