Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 16, 2025

A Chronic High-Intensity Interval Training and Diet-Induced Obesity Model to Maximize Exercise Effort and Induce Physiologic Changes in Rats
Published on: April 28, 2023
Obesity-induced and weight-loss-induced physiological factors affecting weight regain
Marleen A van Baak1, Edwin C M Mariman2
1NUTRIM School for Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Department of Human Biology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands. m.vanbaak@maastrichtuniversity.nl.
Abstract:
Weight regain after successful weight loss resulting from lifestyle interventions is a major challenge in the management of overweight and obesity. Knowledge of the causal mechanisms for weight regain can help researchers and clinicians to find effective strategies to tackle weight regain and reduce obesity-associated metabolic and cardiovascular complications. This Review summarizes the current understanding of a number of potential physiological mechanisms underlying weight regain after weight loss, including: the role of adipose tissue immune cells; hormonal and neuronal factors affecting hunger, satiety and reward; resting energy expenditure and adaptive thermogenesis; and lipid metabolism (lipolysis and lipid oxidation). We describe and discuss obesity-associated changes in these mechanisms, their persistence during weight loss and weight regain and their association with weight regain. Interventions to prevent or limit weight regain based on these factors, such as diet, exercise, pharmacotherapy and biomedical strategies, and current knowledge on the effectiveness of these interventions are also reviewed.
Related Concept Videos
Obesity
Bulimia Nervosa
Regulation of Food Intake
Binge Eating Disorders
Anorexia Nervosa
Symptoms and Physical Effects
Individuals with anorexia nervosa commonly exhibit extreme...
Metabolic States of the Body: The Postabsorptive State
Initially, glycogen stored in the liver is broken down to release glucose into the bloodstream, while glycogen in the muscles is broken down to supply glucose for energy directly within the muscle cells. As glycogen stores diminish,...

