Immune Cells Retain 'Memory' of Obesity, Affecting Long-Term Health
A decade-long study has revealed that immune cells can retain a 'memory' of obesity, potentially affecting health long after weight loss. The research, published in EMBO Reports, found that DNA methylation in helper T cells preserves a cellular memory of obesity, promoting a pro-inflammatory state that can persist for years. This discovery was made by analyzing immune cells from individuals with a history of obesity, including those who lost weight through exercise or medication. The study suggests that this 'obesity memory' may contribute to the high relapse rate of obesity and the continued risk of obesity-related diseases, such as type 2 diabetes and certain cancers, even after weight loss.