Scientists may have discovered why the pounds come back after losing weight

Scientists may have discovered why the pounds come back after losing weight

Fat cells ‘remember’ obesity, making weight loss harder to maintain, study finds

Many factors lead to the frustrating cycle of weight gain and weight loss — but the driving force may be fat cells keeping a memory of obesity. (iStock)

Mice who were previously obese gained weight faster compared to the control group after they ate a high-fat diet — suggesting a continued impairment in metabolism after losing weight. (iStock)

The researchers analyzed the fatty tissues of participants before and after they underwent bariatric surgery, comparing them to the fatty cells of lean individuals who did not have a history of obesity. (iStock)

Healthy habits can counteract the genetics that promote weight gain, researchers say. (iStock)