Ingested cocoa can prevent high-fat diet-induced obesity by regulating the expression of genes for fatty acid metabolism.

According to recent research from Japan, "We previously found that ingested cocoa decreased visceral adipose tissue weight in rats. To elucidate the molecular mechanisms of that effect, we carried out experiments aimed at analyzing biochemical parameters and gene expression profiles. Rats were fed either of two high-fat diets, differing only in supplementation with real or mimetic cocoa. On day 21, body weights, mesenteric, white adipose tissue weights, and concentrations of serum triacylglycerol were measured.