Some people find it harder than others to shed extra pounds — but why is that the case? A recent study may have found an answer. Researchers have identified a molecule in fat cells that could be responsible. They discovered that the fat cells of people with obesity contain higher levels of a molecule called LOX, which has been linked to fibrosis in fat tissue — a condition that may interfere with weight loss efforts. Previous studies had also pointed to this connection.
Dr. Katarina Kos, a researcher in the Diabetes and Obesity Research Group at the University of Exeter Medical School in the UK, co-authored the study and shared the findings in a scientific journal. She noted that around 1 in 3 adults in the U.S. are obese, which puts them at greater risk for type 2 diabetes, stroke, heart disease, and certain cancers.
Lack of exercise and poor diet are the two primary causes of obesity, so it's no surprise that adopting a healthier diet and increasing physical activity are typically the first strategies people turn to when trying to lose weight.
However, these approaches often yield mixed results. While some people lose weight fairly easily, others struggle. The new study offers one potential explanation for this disparity.
Dr. Kos and her team analyzed abdominal fat tissue samples from individuals with obesity who were scheduled for weight-loss surgery. They compared these samples to those from individuals with smaller waistlines. The analysis showed that people with obesity had higher levels of the LOX molecule, which leads to fibrosis of fat tissue.
The researchers explain that when fat cells are exposed to stress, they lose the ability to store excess calories. As a result, those calories are stored as fat around vital organs like the liver and heart — a phenomenon linked to multiple health issues, including heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
Unfortunately, Dr. Kos points out that fat tissue fibrosis can make it harder for people to lose weight. “But that doesn’t mean weight loss is impossible,” she adds. “Combining moderate calorie restriction with regular physical activity over a longer period can still result in weight loss and reduce stress on fat tissues.”
“We also know this approach improves blood sugar levels, which is key in managing diabetes,” she says.
The team's findings suggest that targeting the LOX molecule could be a future strategy to prevent fat tissue fibrosis and potentially make weight loss easier. However, more research is needed to confirm this theory. Dr. Kos also emphasized the importance of exploring other methods to prevent fat tissue fibrosis. In the meantime, she says, increasing physical activity remains a helpful tool.
“There’s evidence that once fat tissue becomes damaged, it may not fully recover — even with weight loss,” she explains. “We need to take care of fat tissue and avoid overburdening it with excess calorie storage.”
As a physician, she recommends a simple habit: taking a walk after meals. It may seem minor, but it can make a significant difference to your overall health.
Life’s responsibilities often distract us from proper nutrition. You might have a long morning meeting, an important deadline to meet by the afternoon, and only manage to grab quick snacks throughout the day. Unfortunately, random snacking can confuse your body. Skipping meals can lead to low blood sugar, followed by intense cravings that prompt you to binge on snacks at irregular times. Even if the snacks are healthy, your body remains constantly engaged in digestion — and never gets the chance to burn stored fat.
That’s why it’s crucial to train yourself to eat regularly — in the morning, afternoon, and evening — at set times.
Eating fiber-rich foods is also very helpful. Foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains (such as brown rice and oats) support digestion, boost your energy levels, and help you feel pleasantly full. Nutrition experts also stress the importance of variety. Eating the same foods every day can bore your body and cause it to burn fewer calories. So, don’t eat the same salad daily — mix up your meals, and occasionally eat foods high in carbohydrates, even those you normally avoid. Some nutritionists even recommend one high-calorie day every now and then to “shock” your body into burning more calories.
