Immune cell changes may explain obesity weight regain

New research suggests that adipose tissue may possess a form of “memory” that contributes to weight regain after dieting. A study conducted on mice indicates that obesity can cause long-lasting changes in macrophages, which are immune cells responsible for maintaining healthy fat tissue.

Researchers observed that these cellular changes, specifically related to alternative splicing mechanisms, persisted even after the animals transitioned to a low-fat diet. While scientists have found indications of similar patterns in human fat tissue samples, experts caution that the results in humans are not yet definitive.

Dr. Amelie Bonnefond, an obesity genetics expert, noted that while the mouse experiments provide new evidence regarding the potential mechanisms behind “obesity memory,” further research is needed to confirm these findings in humans, as current data may be influenced by variables such as age and sex.