Research
Hormonal
Epigenetic changes, such as DNA methylation and histone modifications, can persist after weight loss and contribute to weight regain.
Weight loss can trigger long-lasting epigenetic changes that make your body more prone to regaining weight. This means maintaining weight loss might require ongoing effort and potentially medical support, as your body's 'default setting' may have shifted.
ModerateSupportsMEDIUM confidence
This memory may alter energy expenditure, insulin sensitivity, and appetite regulation, even after a significant weight loss.
Why this rating
Based on a review of existing literature, including cohort studies.
Source
Molecular Mechanisms Against Successful Weight Loss and Promising Treatment Options in Obesity
Zsolt Szekeres et al. · Biomedicines · 2025
DOI 10.3390/biomedicines13081989
narrative_review
Read the paper DOI resolved against Crossref · corpus check 2026-06-10
More from this paper
- Obesity involves molecular mechanisms, including metabolic memory and epigenetic modifications, that actively hinder weight loss and promote weight regain.Moderate
- Adipose tissue dysfunction, characterized by chronic low-grade inflammation and insulin resistance, creates a self-perpetuating cycle that promotes obesity.Moderate
- Current interventions, including calorie restriction, physical activity, and pharmacological treatment, show promise in combating obesity, but long-term efficacy and safety need further establishment.Moderate
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