|
|
Leptin therapy may help people maintain weight loss
In the November 2004 Nature Medicine a study reports that Leptin, a protein produced by fat,
appears to play an important role in how the body manages its supply of fat.
The senior author Jeffrey Friedman, M.D., Ph.D., professor at The Rockefeller University and
an associate investigator with Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) says:
"We found the amount of leptin highly correlates to how much fat is stored in the body, with greater
levels found in individuals with more fat and reduced levels in those who dieted. However, not all
obese patients have increased levels, which suggests there may be important differences in the cause
of obesity."
Later, in May 2005, a new study concluded that there may be some good news for people who
are desperately trying to shed those extra pounds. The big hope is connected by the protein hormone
Leptin.
This new study found that Leptin promotes development of gray matter in the part of the brain that
regulates cravings and the ability to monitor personal behavior.
Scientists have observed that after dieting, the levels of Leptin drop and this reduction may contribute
to increased hunger and slower metabolism.
After receiving leptin replacement therapy, research subjects with a recessive mutation in the obesity
(ob) gene lost about half of their body weight while regulating their own food intake. While receiving
leptin, the subjects ate less and increased their use of energy.
The conclusion is that a Leptin therapy may help people maintain weight loss after dieting.
NOTE: The Information on this site is provided for information only,
and is not meant to substitute for the advice of your own physician or other medical professional.
<< back to obesity
| |
SPONSORED LINKS
Your advertisement here
|
|
