The research followed 480 participants from two major lifestyle intervention trials, CENTRAL and DIRECT PLUS. Participants were placed on structured healthy eating plans, including variations such as low-carbohydrate, low-fat, and a “green Mediterranean diet” rich in plant foods. Alongside dietary changes, participants were encouraged to increase physical activity and often received gym memberships or joined group exercise sessions. Advanced MRI scans enabled researchers to precisely track changes in abdominal fat, particularly visceral fat, which surrounds organs and is strongly linked to heart disease and diabetes.

Even though many participants regained the weight they initially lost, the scans revealed meaningful internal improvements. Visceral fat levels dropped by about 16 percent compared to the original baseline, with additional reductions in deep and superficial abdominal fat. Metabolic markers also improved, including insulin resistance and cholesterol ratios.

Co-author Prof. Iris Shai from BGU’s Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Community Health Sciences explained that “persistent commitment to a healthy dietary change creates cardiometabolic memory in the body.” Prof Shai added that repeated participation in lifestyle programs may produce “significant and sustainable health benefits over the years, particularly through the reduction of harmful visceral (abdominal) fat.”

Lead author, registered dietitian, and BGU doctoral student Hadar Klein emphasized, “Body weight alone does not capture changes in visceral fat or metabolic biomarkers.” The findings suggest that even when weight loss is smaller during later attempts, cumulative improvements in abdominal fat and metabolic health can still occur. Overall, the study offers an encouraging message: repeated efforts to adopt healthier eating patterns and exercise habits may still provide long-term health advantages.