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A recent study on mice has identified a particular type of neuron that releases a protein called neuropeptide Y (NPY), which aids in weight loss. However, the study also found that obesity can damage these neurons, rendering them ineffective.
The mice were fed a healthy diet but still continued to gain weight and become obese if they had low levels of neuropeptide Y (NPY). This could help explain why some individuals gain weight without overeating and might impact strategies for preventing obesity. The research indicates that energy expenditure may be more crucial than appetite in regulating body weight for certain individuals.
These particular neurons emit a protein known as NPY, a chemical signal present in the peripheral nervous system and the brain, which promotes fat burning. Approximately 40% of sympathetic neurons in the peripheral system are NPY-positive. Researchers have discovered that NPY increases appetite while also activating fat-burning cells in adipose tissues.
NPY helps prevent obesity by promoting the growth of fat cells that are burned to produce heat, thereby regulating body temperature. Studies have shown that mice deficient in NPY had fat cells with reduced fat-burning capabilities. When these mice were given a high-fat diet, they became obese more quickly and at an earlier stage, even without consuming more food.
Few studies have explored the connection between NPY and weight loss, largely because earlier research concentrated on its role in enhancing appetite. However, it has been established that the body secretes NPY in response to a range of stressors, both internal and external. This new research could potentially pave the way for new, innovative weight management strategies.
To view the original scientific study click below:
Sympathetic neuropeptide Y protects from obesity by sustaining thermogenic fat
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