Hunger Hormone Blamed for Weight Gain

Overweight people who regain weight even one year after shedding pounds can blame the setback on hunger hormone, according to a new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine.

Researchers at the University of Melbourne sought to investigate the reasons behind the high rate of weight regain after diet-induced weight loss. They enrolled 50 overweight or obese patients, with a BMI of between 27 and 40, and an average weight of 95kg, in a 10-week weight-loss program using a very low-calorie diet. Levels of appetite-regulating hormones were measured at baseline, at the end of the program and one year after initial weight loss.

Results showed that following initial weight loss of about 13 kgs, the levels of hormones that influence hunger changed in a way that would be expected to increase appetite. The changes were sustained for at least one year. Participants regained around 5 kgs during the 1-year period of study.

“Our study has provided clues as to why obese people who have lost weight often relapse. The relapse has a strong physiological basis and is not simply the result of the voluntary resumption of old habits," said lead researcher Prof. Joseph Proietto.

He said although health promotion campaigns recommended obese people adopt lifestyle changes such as to be more active, they were unlikely to lead to reversal of the obesity epidemic.

“Ultimately it would be more effective to focus public health efforts in preventing children from becoming obese," he said.