Kilos down and kilos back up. Many diets result in a yo-yo effect. Now researchers have examined the fatty tissue of overweight people and found a fascinating explanation. The memory of cells plays an enormous role.
Regardless of whether the focus is on diet and lifestyle changes, strategies for losing weight often only lead to short-term weight reduction. Then it goes up again – this is called the yo-yo effect. It seems as if the body remembers its maximum weight and always strives to get back there.
In fact, there appear to be corresponding mechanisms in the cells of fatty tissue, as researchers led by Ferdinand von Meyenn from ETH Zurich report in the journal “Nature“ report. The basis of this adipogenic memory is formed by so-called epigenetic changes in cells of fatty tissue and probably also in other cell types such as neurons.
“It is precisely because there is a memory effect that it is so important to avoid being overweight in the first place,” says von Meyenn.
The activity of genes is called epigenetic, i.e. the decision as to which genes in a cell are read and at what point in time. Changes take place in the course of development – for example when cells differentiate into nerve or liver cells. But they can also be caused by environmental factors or lifestyle.
These markers can remain stable over many years or decades and can sometimes even be inherited across generations.
The researchers compared the implementation of the genetic information in the fatty tissue cells of 18 non-obese (obese) people with the implementation in 20 obese men and women before and after significant weight loss (at least 25 percent reduction in BMI), which was in each case due to stomach reduction. Similar analyzes were performed in lean, obese, and formerly obese mice.
The research team was able to detect so-called epigenetic changes in the fat tissue cells that remained even after significant weight loss: They decided that genes remained active that, among other things, led to a persistent impairment of some metabolic processes.
Previously fat mice with the corresponding epigenetic marking gained weight back more quickly than those of normal weight when they had access to high-fat food. “We have thus found a molecular basis for the yo-yo effect,” said von Meyenn. There is also evidence of such a mechanism in humans.
Almost a quarter of Germans are obese
“Overcoming this barrier to long-term treatment success is difficult,” the study says. Targeting the underlying changes in fatty tissue and possibly also in other cells could potentially be a new approach to better weight control.
However, it is currently not possible to change epigenetic markings in the cell nucleus with drugs and thus delete epigenetic memory.
The scientists assume that similar memory mechanisms also apply in other areas: “Although our experiments focused on obesity, it is plausible that epigenetic memory could also play a role in many other contexts, including addictions.”
Obesity is also associated with numerous other diseases such as diabetes, heart attack and stroke as well as cancer. According to the German Obesity Society, almost a quarter of men and women in Germany are obese, meaning they have a body mass index (BMI) of at least 30.
dpa/gra
**How might understanding the epigenetic ”memory” of fat cells inform the development of more effective and sustainable long-term weight management strategies?**
## Interview: Deciphering the “Yo-Yo” Effect – Can We Break the Cycle?
**Interviewer:** Welcome to “World Today News,” where we delve into the latest scientific discoveries with leading experts. Today’s topic: the frustrating “yo-yo effect” of weight loss and groundbreaking research into its underlying causes.
Joining us are Dr. [Guest 1 Name], a renowned nutritionist and weight loss expert, and Dr. [Guest 2 Name], a leading researcher in epigenetics.
**Part 1: The Yo-Yo Dilemma**
**Interviewer:** Dr. [Guest 1 Name], let’s start with the basics. We hear so much about the struggle with regain after weight loss. Why is it so challenging to maintain weight loss long-term?
**(Open for discussion on common diet pitfalls, psychological factors, and societal influences on weight regain)**
**Interviewer:** It’s tantalizing to think there might be something more than willpower involved. Dr. [Guest 2 Name], this is where your research comes in. Can you explain how the concept of “epigenetic memory” fits into the picture?
**(Priming discussion on how epigenetic changes, DNA modifications without altering the underlying genetic code, can be triggered by environmental factors like diet and influence gene expression)**
**Part 2: The Science Behind the Memory effect**
**Interviewer:** This study suggests that fat cells retain a “memory” even after significant weight loss. Can you elaborate on how this memory manifests?
**(Discussion on specific epigenetic changes observed in the study, genes involved in metabolic processes, and how these markers persist despite weight loss)**
**Interviewer:** Fascinating! So, it’s not just about the number on the scale, but about cellular changes that persist even when weight is lost. Conceptually, if epigenetic changes can linger, could this explain why some individuals struggle more with regaining weight than others?
**(Open for Dr. [Guest 2 Name] to elaborate on individual variability in epigenetic response, potential genetic predisposition, and the role of lifestyle factors in influencing these changes)**
**Part 3: Changing the Narrative**
**Interviewer:** Dr. [Guest 1 Name], regarding lasting weight management, what are your thoughts on the implications of this new understanding? Does this mean we should be focusing on alternative approaches beyond just calorie restriction?
**(Discussion on the limitations of traditional weight-loss methods, the importance of sustainable lifestyle changes, and the potential for personalized interventions based on epigenetic understanding)**
**Interviewer:** Dr. [Guest 2 Name], while we can’t currently directly target these epigenetic marks, what are the potential avenues for future research or therapeutic interventions?
**(Discussion on the development of epigenetic therapies, potential for dietary and lifestyle modifications to positively influence epigenetic markers, and the potential for personalized medicine approaches to tackle the yo-yo effect)**
**Part 4: Looking Ahead**
**Interviewer:** This research offers a fascinating new perspective on the complex puzzle of weight management. Thank you both for sharing your insights.
**(Concluding remarks, summarizing key takeaways, and highlighting the need for further research to fully understand and combat the yo-yo effect)**
