It can really be an unhealthy disadvantage of losing weight.
A new study discovers that blood levels of substances known as persistent organic pollutants were higher in people who lost weight compared to people who have kept or gain weight. Persistent organic pollutants (POPS) are compounds created by humans in industrial processes and were linked to a wide range of diseases, including type 2 diabetes, cancer, dementia and heart disease. The study appears in the International Journal of Obesity. Persistent organic pollutants are stored in fat tissues in the body. But when the amount of fat is diminished - as through weight loss - they can be released into the bloodstream, where they can enter vital organs such as the heart and brain.What Should My Macros Be For Weight Loss - The Downside of Weight Loss
They found POPS levels were significantly higher in adults who suffered more weight loss. This effect was slightly higher in people who maintained their weight loss for 10 years or more, compared to people who had suffered for just a year.
The researchers say the findings can help explain why some studies have suggested, although not proven, that the risk of heart disease, dementia or death can sometimes increase after weight loss. However, it is not yet clear whether this liberation of persistent organic pollutants associated with weight loss or obesity-related pre-existing diseases are responsible for this increase at risk. Another study will be necessary to determine whether this release of persistent organic pollutants is responsible for any negative health effects after weight loss..
