A study in mice showed that intestinal microbes play an unexpected role in post-dieting weight gain. These findings may lend way to future treatments for preventing weight gain after weight loss.
The researchers found that after a weight loss/gain cycle, all the mice’s body systems returned back to normal – except for the microbiome. During the six months following the weight loss, post-obese mice retained an abnormal obese microbiome.
Lead researcher Dr. Eran Elinav explained, “We’ve shown in obese mice that following successful dieting and weight loss, the microbiome retains a ‘memory’ of previous obesity. This persistent microbiome accelerated the regaining of weight when the mice were put back on a high-calorie diet or ate regular food in excessive amounts.”
Fellow researcher Professor Eran Segal added, “By conducting a detailed functional analysis of the microbiome, we’ve developed potential therapeutic approaches to alleviating its impact on weight regain.”
The researchers supplemented post-dieting mice with flavonoids in their water, this way bringing their flavonoid levels back to normal. Even when the mice went back on a high-calorie diet, they did not experience additional weight gain. Prof. Segal explained, “We call this approach ‘post-biotic’ intervention. In contrast to probiotics, which introduce helpful microbes into the intestines, we are not introducing the microbes themselves but substances affected by the microbiome, which might prove to be more safe and effective.”Recurrent obesity is a growing problem worldwide. In Dr. Elinav’s words, “Obesity affects nearly half of the world’s adult population, and predisposes people to common life-risking complications such as adult-onset diabetes and heart disease. If the results of our mouse studies are found to be applicable to humans, they may help diagnose and treat recurrent obesity, and this, in turn, may help alleviate the obesity epidemic.”