(NewsNation) — A new study suggests obesity may leave a lasting “memory” on the immune system, even after significant weight loss.
The research, conducted by scientists at the University of Birmingham, examined how obesity affects immune function over time by analyzing blood and fat tissue samples from several groups, including:
People living with obesity who were receiving weight loss injections
People with Alström syndrome, a rare genetic disorder marked by early‑onset childhood obesity, along with healthy matched participants
People who took part in a 10‑week exercise intervention
People of normal weight and those with obesity undergoing hip or knee replacement surgery for osteoarthritis
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Researchers also studied immune cells from mice fed a high‑fat diet and analyzed blood samples from healthy human volunteers to better understand the cellular mechanisms involved in immune dysregulation linked to obesity.
“The findings suggest that short‑term weight loss may not immediately reduce the risk of some diseases and health issues associated with obesity, including Type 2 diabetes and some cancers,” wrote study author Claudio Mauro, a professor at the University of Birmingham.
Mauro said reversing what researchers describe as an “obesity memory” in the body’s cells would likely require sustained weight management following major weight loss.
“That process may take five to 10 years,” he said.