A new study from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and Ben Gurion University in Israel suggests that genetic factors may explain why some individuals do not lose weight despite following healthy diets. The research, published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, found that while 36% of participants achieved significant weight loss, 36% experienced moderate loss, and 28% showed no change or even weight gain. Despite this, all groups demonstrated health improvements such as better cholesterol, lower leptin levels, and reduced visceral fat.
The study involved 761 individuals with abdominal obesity who participated in three major trials, following specific diets such as low-fat, low-carb, Mediterranean, and green-Mediterranean for 18 to 24 months. The findings challenge the long-held belief that weight loss is the only indicator of health benefits. Lead study author Anat Yaskolka Meir emphasized that people who do not lose weight can still improve their metabolism and reduce their long-term risk for disease, redefining clinical success in weight management. The study’s limitations included a predominantly male participant base, with researchers recommending that future studies should focus on women to better understand gender-specific genetic influences on weight loss.
Endocrinologist Dr. Philip Rabito, who was not involved in the study, noted that genetic factors can affect an individual’s ability to lose weight despite similar lifestyle and caloric restrictions. He stated that some patients lose more weight than others, highlighting the importance of personalized approaches to weight management. Additionally, Dr. Manoel Galvao Neto, director of bariatric research at Orlando Health Weight Loss and Bariatric Surgery Institute, emphasized that understanding genetic factors can improve obesity treatment, allowing for more personalized and effective programs. He suggested that individuals with certain genetic markers might benefit more from specific medications like GLP-1.
The study’s implications extend beyond individual health, signaling a shift toward more tailored medical interventions. By recognizing that genetic factors can influence weight loss and health outcomes, medical professionals and researchers are moving toward a more nuanced understanding of obesity and its treatment. This approach could lead to better patient outcomes and more targeted therapeutic strategies, addressing the chronic nature of the condition while offering hope for more effective long-term management.