Brown Fat to Fight Obesity

Researchers have uncovered the key to the production of a specific type of fat called brown fat. Because brown fat generates heat by burning calories and releasing energy, it is hoped that this discovery can lead to new treatments for obesity. In the study, researchers identified the molecular switch responsible for the creation of brown fat. This switch, the PRDM16 gene, converts immature muscle cells into brown cells when activated.

There are two types of adipose (fat) tissue in the body; brown fat and white fat. White fat stores energy and helps to insulate the body, while brown fat burns energy and generates heat. Now that the PRDM16 gene has been identified, the focus now shifts to the development of drugs that can convert white fat into brown fat. Another possibility would be to develop a method for transplanting brown fat into the body to stimulate fat loss.

Learn more about this study, see:

• Making 'Good' Fat From Muscle And Vice Versa (Science Daily)