Your Fat Cells Have Memory!
For a long time, we’ve been told that obesity is simply caused by eating too much and not moving enough. But new research gives us a clearer picture. It turns out our body’s biology, especially how fat works and remembers, plays a bigger role than we thought.
Your Fat Cells Have Memory!
For a long time, we’ve been told that obesity is simply caused by eating too much and not moving enough. But new research gives us a clearer picture. It turns out our body’s biology, especially how fat works and remembers, plays a bigger role than we thought.
Let’s explore the findings:
Your Fat Can "Remember" Being Fat
A study found that tissue in our bodies has a kind of memory. When someone gains weight, their fat cells grow and store more fat. When that person loses weight, the cells shrink, but they don’t forget. If the person gains weight again, the fat cells grow back faster and even larger than before. That’s why yo-yo dieting is so common and frustrating.
This means the body is trying to return to its old weight, even after someone has worked hard to lose it. It is not about laziness or lack of willpower. It is about how the body naturally works.
Obesity Might Start in the Brain, Not the Belly
Another study published in the journal PNAS looked at brain scans of thousands of people. It showed that differences in brain structure are linked to body fat. The areas of the brain involved in hunger and metabolism were different in people with obesity.
This means some people are born with a brain that makes them feel hungrier or burn fewer calories. So instead of blaming people for not having enough discipline, we should understand that their brain and hormones might be working against them.
Diet and Exercise Still Matter, But They’re Not the Whole Story
What we eat and how much we move still matters. But these new studies show that not everyone has the same body or the same starting point. One person may lose weight easily just by cutting sugar. Another person may struggle even with strict diets and regular exercise.
Blaming people for being overweight does not help. We need to focus on making it easier for people to stay healthy. This includes improving access to good food, healthcare, and health education that is based on science.
Weight Loss Needs Long-Term Support (And Dedication)
Because fat cells remember being large, and because the brain can push us to regain weight, we need to treat weight loss as a long-term journey. Quick fixes usually do not work because the body tries to bring the weight back.
Health experts now suggest more personalized plans that look at things like genetics, hormones, and mental health. Everyone’s body is different, so there is no one-size-fits-all solution.
What This Means for Malaysians
In Malaysia, more and more people are facing obesity and related health problems like diabetes. But telling people to just eat less or move more is not enough. We need a smarter and kinder approach.
That means:
Talking openly about how biology affects body weight
Making healthy food and safe places to exercise more available
Giving people long-term care and support
Reducing body shaming and focusing on health, not just looks
Everyone deserves to feel supported and respected, no matter their size. With better science, we can now help people improve their health in more effective and caring ways.
Sources:
MSN Health: What Causes Obesity? A Major New Study Is Upending Common Wisdom
The Independent: Obesity May Not Be Caused by Eating Too Much or Lack of Exercise, Major Study Suggests
The Guardian: Fat Cells ‘Remember’ Being Fat and It Drives Yo-Yo Dieting
Check out Dr. Eddie Ramirez's social medias for expert health news:
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