The sLR11 protein is responsible for inhibiting the fat burning process.The more stored fat the more difficult to shed weight is the conclusion of a new study conducted by researchers with the University of Cambridge.
The more stored fat the more difficult to shed weight is the conclusion of a new study conducted by researchers with the University of Cambridge.
Stress and diet and a cohort of other factors influence weight gain. However, little is known about what influences weight loss. The new findings of the study led by Doctor Andrew Whittle of the University of Cambridge found one gene that is responsible for storing fat and making it increasingly difficult to shed weight.
While a recent study has also shown that there is no one-size diet to fit us all, which makes it increasingly difficult to shed weight without a nutritionist’s specialized advice, the new study adds to clues on effective measures to fight weight gain and obesity.
The more stored fat the more difficult to shed weight according to the scientific team. Their finding may explain why overweight people have a hard time losing the extra pounds despite the best of efforts. Doctor Andrew Whittle declared in a press release that stored fat is actively undermining efforts to burn the fat at molecular level.
The first phase of the study was conducted on mice and targeted the gene triggering the production of the sLR11 protein. The sLR11 protein stalls the process of fat burning at the molecular level. Mice for which the production of the sLR11 protein was inhibited were found to be resistant to weight gain. In addition, they burned stored fat much faster, allowing the thermogenesis process to turn the stored fat in calories and fuel the body with energy.
In the case of humans, the scientists found that with the increase in weight, the levels of the sLR11 protein in the blood increased as well. As such, the more stored fat in the body, the higher the levels of the fat burning inhibiting protein, the less chances to successfully shed weight.
To further understand the link between weight gain – sLR11 protein – weight loss, the research team turned to obese patients who chose to undergo bariatric surgery. In their case, the levels of the sLR11 protein in the blood dropped significantly. This indicates that the fat burning inhibiting protein is in fact produced by the fat cells in the body.
The research paper suggests that the role of the sLR11 protein could be to store fat in the body for maintaining both temperature and energy levels over a prolonged period of time. A subsequent phase of the study will target the thermogenesis process according to the research team.
Photo Credits: Flickr
