Fat Molecule Fights Weight Gain

jerry submitted, created time 2 months 1 week (sciencenow.sciencemag.org)

Rearchers have isolated a fat molecule in mice that prevents the animals from storing more fat. The discovery could open a new front in the battle against the bulge if the molecule has the same effect in humans.

The word "fat" typically evokes the image of clogged arteries or cellulite jiggling on a thigh. But fat has a good side, too. Fat cells make up adipose tissue, which helps regulate insulin levels and breaks down dietary fat for energy. This breakdown is accomplished via proteins in fat cells called fatty acidinding proteins. Mice genetically engineered to lack these proteins gain less weight and are less susceptible to metabolic diseases such as diabetes than are regular mice.

Keywords: fatty acidinding proteins obesity weight metabolic diseases Fat Cells