Can Nutrition Counteract Appetite Dysregulation? Mechanisms and Implications for Preventing Weight Regain After Weight Loss

AbstractWeight regain following weight loss represents a major challenge in obesity management and is increasingly recognized as a biologically driven process rather than solely a consequence of behavioral non-adherence. A range of physiological adaptations, including reduced energy expenditure, neuroendocrine alterations in appetite regulation, and adipose tissue remodeling, act synergistically to promote weight restoration.In particular, changes in appetite-regulating hormones, such as decreased leptin and increased ghrelin levels, contribute to increased hunger and reduced satiety following weight loss. Additionally, emerging evidence highlights the role of adipose tissue remodeling and metabolic memory in sustaining susceptibility to weight regain.Nutritional factors may play a critical role in modulating these biological mechanisms. Dietary protein, fiber intake, glycemic responses, and overall dietary patterns have been shown to influence appetite regulation through interactions with gut-derived hormones, postprandial metabolism, and central appetite pathways. These effects suggest that dietary composition, beyond caloric restriction alone, may be a key determinant of long-term weight maintenance.Despite growing evidence, findings remain heterogeneous, and the long-term effectiveness of specific dietary strategies is not fully established. Future approaches should focus on integrating nutritional strategies with individual biological responses, including variability in hormonal regulation, metabolic adaptation, and gut–brain signaling.In conclusion, targeting appetite regulation and metabolic adaptation through personalized and sustainable nutritional strategies may represent a promising approach for reducing weight regain and improving long-term outcomes in obesity management.