Weight cycling exacerbates glucose intolerance and hepatic triglyceride storage in mice with a history of chronic high fat diet exposure
2025

Weight Cycling and Its Effects on Metabolic Health in Mice

Sample size: 38 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Bernecker Miriam, Lin Anna, Feuchtinger Annette, Molenaar Anna, Schriever Sonja C., Pfluger Paul T.

Primary Institution: Helmholtz Munich

Hypothesis

This study aimed to investigate the long-term impacts of weight cycling on glycemic control and metabolic health in mice with a history of chronic high fat diet exposure.

Conclusion

The study highlights significant metabolic risks associated with weight cycling, particularly following prolonged obesity.

Supporting Evidence

  • Weight cycling led to hyperphagia and rapid weight regain in mice.
  • Despite weight loss, adipose tissue inflammation persisted with elevated pro-inflammatory markers.
  • Weight-cycled mice exhibited higher circulating IL-6 and leptin levels compared to those with consistent diets.
  • Weight cycling exacerbated insulin resistance and glucose intolerance in mice.

Takeaway

When mice lose and regain weight repeatedly, it can make them sick and lead to problems with sugar and fat in their bodies.

Methodology

Mice were subjected to prolonged high-fat diet consumption followed by dietary interventions to induce weight gain, weight loss, or weight cycling, with various metabolic assessments conducted.

Potential Biases

Potential bias in the selection of dietary interventions and the interpretation of metabolic outcomes.

Limitations

The study primarily used murine models, which may not fully replicate human metabolic responses.

Participant Demographics

Male mice aged 5-10 weeks were used in the study.

Statistical Information

P-Value

0.0029

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/s12967-024-06039-0

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