Obesity, according to studies permanently incurable

US researchers doubt the effect of diets and sports

02/17/2015

Biological adjustments prevent many obese from losing weight permanently, according to US researchers in the latest issue of the journal „The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology "Often," doctors are not well-informed about why obese people have such difficulties with sustainable weight loss and, accordingly, they can not be offered effective treatment, "said the research team led by Christopher Ochner of Mount Sinai Adolescent Health Center in New York.

Obesity and obesity are a common problem in modern industrialized nations, which is mainly associated with physical inactivity and unhealthy diets. The solution seems quite obvious: those affected need to reduce their calorie intake and do more exercise to get rid of excess kilos. But this recommendation is as helpful for many obese as the reference to a hemophiliac to avoid sharp objects better, write Ochner and colleagues. Because the biological adaptations which occur in the course of the overweight, are enough potent to undermine long-term changes of the habits of life with most overweight persons.

Biological pressure counteracts weight loss
The body of overweight shows, according to the US scientists, various adaptation processes that counteract the efforts of losing weight. For example, the organism increases its fat storage capacity, and the brain has become accustomed to stimulating the reward system or altered signaling by the messenger substance dopamine, leading to a perceived reward deficit and the growing need for balance. Overall, the biological pressure persists towards the original body weight. Obesity must therefore be understood as a chronic and often treatment-resistant, medical disease, which should be considered in addition to behavioral changes and pharmacotherapy and surgery, so the conclusion of Ochner and colleagues.

Healthy body weight for obese unreachable?
While "most obese people can reduce their weight by changing diet and exercising enough," the challenge is to "maintain normal weight," the researchers say. Because with the weight loss grows according to the statement of the researchers "the biological pressure", which opposes the weight reduction. Overall, it can be assumed that only a few overweight people will ever achieve a healthy body weight through the change of diet and sufficient exercise, the US scientists report. Even after losing weight, there are fundamental differences between the bodies of former obese individuals and those of those who are never overweight.

Overweight determined by the genes?
The doubts about the effect of diets and sports in the fight against obesity are, according to the magazine „The world“ It was also supported by a worldwide genome study which, based on the analysis of the genetic material of more than 300,000 subjects, determined more than 140 genes that have a significant influence on the development of obesity and on its health consequences. Regardless of the genetic conditions, however, according to the current contribution of the US researchers, there is much to suggest that the prevention of overweight and obesity should be given much more attention in the future. Because the body has already built up overweight, many sufferers the way back to normal weight is blocked. (Fp)

Image: Dieter Schütz