Obesity leaves the immune system, even up to ten years after losing weight
Despite weight loss, obese people may remain at risk for type 2 diabetes and cancer
Research led by the University of Birmingham (United Kingdom), published in EMBO Reports, reveals that obesity causes a DNA methylation process in immune cells. ries, which leaves long-lasting marks. These alterations can persist up to ten years after losing weight, maintaining a high risk of obesity-related diseases.
Changes in the immune system affect essential functions such as waste removal and regulation of aging. to. It is concluded that, despite weight loss, obese people may remain at risk of type 2 diabetes and cancer.
“Our findings show that obesity is associated with long-lasting epigenetic modifications that influence the behavior of immune cells. This suggests that the immune system retains a molecular record of metabolic exposures. adas, what may have implications for disease risk and long-term recovery,” said the lead author d the study, Belinda Nedjai, from the Wolfson Institute of Population Health at Queen Mary University of London, reviewed EFE Health.
Study design and results
The study analyzed immune cells from several groups, including obese patients and those on exercise regimens.
Mouse models and blood from healthy volunteers were used to understand the underlying cellular mechanism and its implications for health.
Towards new therapies and treatments
The study suggests that continuous weight management is crucial to reduce the “memory of obesity”.
Early intervention in obesity can modify DNA methylation patterns that would otherwise tend to maintain and favor an unfavorable metabolic state in later stages of life. In simple terms, act before it can help “reprogram” the expression of genes related to inflammation, lipid metabolism and mitochondrial function, thereby reducing the future risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease,and other metabolic complications.
Investigation of existing drugs, such as SGLT2 inhibitors, is proposed to improve immune function and reduce the risk of metabolic diseases in those who have been obese.
Memory in fat cells
Research published in Nature (2024) shows that adipose cells retain epigenetic and transcriptional changes detected by sequencing single-nucleus RNA, promoting weight recovery. These marks persist in human and mouse adipose tissue, making permanent loss difficult.
SGLT2 inhibitors (repurposed from diabetes) are explored to reduce inflammation and eliminate senescent cells, combined with weight loss therapies . In addition, epigenetic editing and drugs such as semaglutide or tirzepatide could attenuate this memory, although there are no direct modifications yet available.