Researchers from California State University in the United States report that excess fat tissue can trigger changes in mitochondrial function. These shifts may contribute to weight gain and metabolic challenges, with findings published in Nature Metabolism.
To explore why some individuals with overweight struggle to shed pounds, scientists carried out a controlled study using laboratory mice. A portion of the animals were placed on a high-fat diet, while others served as a baseline control group.
Following the dietary intervention, as the mice became overweight, researchers examined their mitochondrial DNA. The results showed that poor nutrition and resulting obesity can alter how mitochondria operate, the organelles responsible for providing energy to cells. This shift can reprogram the body’s metabolism and influence how fat is stored and burned.
In particular, the team observed that obesity appears to push mitochondria in fat cells into a state that favors fission. This mode often leads to greater fat accumulation and presents a barrier to weight reduction. The researchers suggest that this mechanism could explain why some people have difficulty losing weight despite efforts.
Earlier observations noted that obese individuals tend to expend more energy at night, which may reflect underlying metabolic adaptations linked to mitochondrial changes. The study highlights a cellular pathway that connects dietary intake, mitochondrial dynamics, and fat metabolism, underscoring the importance of energy balance in managing weight and metabolic health. These insights contribute to a growing understanding of how obesity can alter energy use at the cellular level and point to potential targets for interventions that promote healthier fat handling. (source: Nature Metabolism)