Could discovery of 'fat switch' cure obesity?

Conclusion This early-stage research suggests there is potentially a mechanism by which energy expenditure and storage is controlled in normal-weight mice versus obese mice. Removing a protein called hypothalamic TCPTP, which acts as the "switch" for fat storage, promoted weight loss in obese mice. This might give us some insight into how weight loss could be promoted in obese humans by turning this switch off. But at this stage, this is just a hypothesis – we can't assume the same is true for humans. Many therapies and procedures that appear promising at the outset aren't always successful in humans. Given the major disease burden caused by obesity, finding ways to reduce its prevalence is a crucial area of research. For now, the best way to achieve a healthy weight is to stay active and eat a balanced diet. Links To The Headlines Obesity cure possible after discovery of fat 'switch'. The Daily Telegraph, August 1 2017 Brain 'on switch' for burning fat after meal discovered by scientists. The Independent, August 1 2017 'Switch' in brain of obese people stays on all the time, researchers say. The Guardian, August 1 2017 Researchers find switch in the brain that tells the body to start burning fat after a meal. Mail Online, August 2 2017 Links To Science Dodd GT, Andrews ZB, Simonds SE, et al. A Hypothalamic Phosphatase Switch Coordinates Energy Expenditure with Feeding. Cell Metabolism. Published online August 1 2017
Source: NHS News Feed - Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Obesity Source Type: news