Obesogenic Memory Beyond the Body: Integrating Biological and Sociocultural Dimensions

Abstract Introduction Mechanistic research has shown that prior obesity induces durable transcriptomic and epigenetic reprogramming in adipose tissue that persists after weight loss and predisposes individuals to weight regain. This phenomenon, termed obesogenic memory (OM), is currently conceptualized primarily as a molecular process. We propose extending OM beyond adipose tissue biology to include interacting biological and sociocultural processes through which past exposures shape present physiological regulation and health-related behavior. Methods In-depth qualitative interviews were conducted with individuals living with obesity (n=31) and with healthcare professionals (n=18). The data were analyzed abductively to examine participants’ lived experiences of obesogenesis. Results We developed a three-phase model of OM comprising memorizing, remembering, and rescribing. The memorizing phase describes the initial acquisition and encoding of biological and sociocultural obesogenic influences. The remembering phase captures the persistence of these influences, contributing to long-term obesity maintenance. The rescribing phase refers to processes through which obesogenic influences may be attenuated or reversed, creating conditions for sustainable health behavior change. Conclusion Extending OM to include sociocultural dimensions provides a more comprehensive understanding of obesity persistence. This integrative framework identifies multilevel targets for obesity prevention and treatment that acknowledge past exposures while supporting resilience and long-term weight management.