Anyone who loses weight through a diet usually gains the pounds back after a while. But why does this happen so often? Researchers have discovered physiological reasons for the yo-yo effect.
Many people are familiar with the phenomenon: you try to pay attention to your diet for weeks or incorporate more exercise sessions into your everyday life in order to lose a few kilos. Only to find that the pounds you lost return faster than expected – the yo-yo effect has become a reality. Scientists at ETH Zurich have now been able to show what this has to do with. The cause is therefore epigenetics.
Professor Ferdinand von Meyenn’s team has discovered that fat cells have a memory – an epigenetic memory. “Epigenetics tells a cell what kind of cell it is and what it should do,” explains doctoral student Laura Hinte, according to a press release. This memory is based on small chemical markings on the DNA building blocks of our genes and remains stable over many years.
To explore this mechanism, the scientists studied mice and found that obesity leads to characteristic epigenetic marks in the nucleus of fat cells. The special thing about it is that these markings remain even after a diet. “The fat cells remember the overweight state and can be returned to it more easily,” says von Meyenn.
This finding was confirmed by further studies in humans. The researchers analyzed fatty tissue biopsies from formerly overweight people who had undergone stomach reduction or gastric bypass surgery. The results confirmed those in mice: these epigenetic changes also seem to play a role in the yo-yo effect in humans.
Von Meyenn emphasizes the importance of prevention: “It is precisely because the memory effect exists that it is so important to avoid being overweight in the first place. Because then it is easiest to do something about it.” He addresses this message primarily to children and young people and their parents.
There is currently no way to change these epigenetic marks in the cell nucleus with drugs and thus delete the epigenetic memory. “Perhaps this will be possible in the future,” hopes Hinte. “But for now we have to live with this memory effect.”
What is epigenetic memory, and how does it affect weight loss and the yo-yo effect?
Interview between the Time.news Editor and Professor Ferdinand von Meyenn on the Epigenetics of Weight Loss and the Yo-Yo Effect
Editor: Welcome, Professor von Meyenn! It’s a pleasure to have you with us today. Your recent findings from ETH Zurich about the epigenetic aspects of weight loss and the yo-yo effect have garnered significant attention. Can you start by explaining what you mean by ”epigenetic memory” in fat cells?
Professor von Meyenn: Thank you for having me! Epigenetic memory refers to the way that chemical markings on our DNA influence the behavior of our cells. In the case of fat cells, these markings enable them to “remember” their previous state. So, if someone loses weight and then gains it back, their fat cells will respond more aggressively to regain that lost weight due to this memory.
Editor: That’s fascinating! So, when someone diets and loses weight, their fat cells don’t just change; they retain a sort of historical record that can influence their future behavior?
Professor von Meyenn: Exactly. When a person loses weight, the fat cells undergo certain epigenetic changes, adjusting their functions and metabolism. However, if they revert to their previous eating habits, the fat cells are primed to accumulate fat again more quickly than before because they “remember” their original state.
Editor: This really sheds light on the struggles many face with weight management. If dieting alone isn’t enough, what other approaches could help counteract these epigenetic influences?
Professor von Meyenn: A multi-faceted approach is crucial. Combining dietary changes with regular physical activity promotes a healthier metabolism and can even help alter the epigenetic markings over time. Mindfulness and psychological support can also play key roles in maintaining long-term lifestyle changes, as the mental aspect is just as important as the biological one.
Editor: That sounds constructive. Given these insights, what advice would you give to someone who is frustrated with the yo-yo effect and feels like they can’t escape it?
Professor von Meyenn: My advice is to focus on sustainable lifestyle changes rather than quick fixes. Understand that weight loss is a journey and it’s not just about the scale. Incorporating enjoyable physical activities and paying attention to emotional health can create a more robust support system that negates the effects of this epigenetic memory over time.
Editor: So, it sounds like creating a supportive environment, both physically and emotionally, can help reinforce these changes. Are there ongoing studies that delve deeper into epigenetics and weight management right now?
Professor von Meyenn: Absolutely! Research is expanding in this area. We are investigating how different lifestyles and diets can influence our epigenetic expressions in the long term. The goal is to find ways to help people not just lose weight but also maintain their results more effectively.
Editor: It’s exciting to think about the potential future discoveries in this area! Before we wrap up, what is one takeaway you want readers to remember about the relationship between epigenetics and weight management?
Professor von Meyenn: The key takeaway is that our bodies are complex systems with memories that influence our habits. Understanding the science behind these patterns can empower individuals to adopt strategies that promote lasting change rather than short-term results. Persistence, awareness, and the right support can make a significant difference.
Editor: Thank you, Professor von Meyenn, for shedding light on this intricate subject. We appreciate your time and insights!
Professor von Meyenn: Thank you for having me! It was a pleasure discussing this important topic.