Scientists: Losing weight can reverse tissue damage and improve metabolism
A new study published in the journal Nature reveals what happens in human fat tissue after weight loss. Scientists in London observed that weight loss not only removes old, damaged cells but also triggers healthy fat processing. This may help us better understand why weight loss promotes remission of type 2 diabetes.
British scientists from the Medical Research Council Laboratory of Medical Sciences and Imperial College London have, for the first time, detailed how weight loss affects human fat tissue at the cellular level. The study involved 70 people, some of whom were of normal weight and some who were morbidly obese (BMI over 35) and had undergone bariatric surgery. Fat samples were collected during surgery and over five months later, during which time the patients lost an average of 25 kg.
Scientists analyzed gene expression in over 170,000 fat tissue cells. The results revealed a number of beneficial changes—both metabolic and cellular.
One of the most surprising findings was that weight loss triggers the breakdown and recycling of lipids, or fats. Researchers believe this "recycling" may be responsible for energy burning and prevent harmful fat accumulation in organs like the liver and pancreas.
Moreover, weight loss has been found to promote the elimination of so-called senescent cells—damaged and inactive cells that accumulate in tissues and can cause inflammation. "Adipose tissue has many underappreciated health functions, including affecting blood sugar levels, body temperature, appetite-regulating hormones, and even reproductive health," emphasized Dr. William Scott, lead author of the study.
While the changes in body fat following weight loss are impressive, not all processes improve. The team noted that the immune system still showed signs of "inflammatory memory"—some immune cells that had infiltrated the fat of obese individuals persisted even after significant weight loss. This could mean that if weight were to be regained, the negative effects of obesity would return more quickly.
Researchers hope that a better understanding of these processes will help develop new therapies for metabolic diseases, including type 2 diabetes.
“We hope that new information from studies like ours will help pave the way for the development of more effective treatments for diabetes and other health problems resulting from excess body fat,” added Dr. Scott.
According to Dr Faye Riley from Diabetes UK, the study offers new hope for patients:
"For some people, losing weight can mean remission of type 2 diabetes. But weight loss is difficult, and current methods don't work for everyone. This study provides a rare insight into the changes that occur in body fat during weight loss—changes that may be crucial for improving health and reversing diabetes," she said.
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