The Brain Is a Remote Control for Fat Metabolism
A remote control system for the fat metabolism is located within the
brain, according to researchers at the University of Cincinnati (UC).
The
melanocortin system was previously known to control the central nervous
system (CNS). It plays a key role by receiving hormone signals from the
gut and responding to the sensations of hunger or fullness.
The melanocortin system controls the fat metabolism and how fat is being stored, completely independent to the food intake.
The
researchers studied the melanocortin system in rodents. The findings
showed that fat is metabolized when the melanocortin system has an
increased activity. Fat accumulation may be due to the fact that the
melanocortin system`s activity is reduced.
The researchers
also reported clinical data from Stephen O`Rahilly and Sadaf Farooqi.
Their studies were conducted on humans and indicated that the
melanocortin system is controlled by the human brain and has the same
functions as in case of rodents.
In essence, the traffic signals
in the body were changed so the calories are metabolized, not
transformed into fat cells, without changing the food intake , said
Tschöp.
The study`s results are of great importance for it
may lead to the development of medications or new campaigns meant to
stop or slow the growth of the obesity epidemic spread worldwide.
(c) Project Weight Loss 2008. All rights reserved.
About the author
carbs counter, diet planner, workout planner, and many other weight
loss tools. Visit Project Weight Loss and start losing weight today!
Tags: author project, bmi, c project, calorie counter, central nervous system, diet planner, fat cells, food intake, human brain, key role, losing weight, obesity epidemic, rodents, sadaf, sensations, start losing weight today, traffic signals, university of cincinnati, weight loss tools, workout planner