Fat is more than calorie storage
Gaining weight goes beyond obesity and fighting it should not depend on taking a pill, but on a good diet.
A group of researchers from the Joslin Diabetes Center and Harvard Medical School have just published an article. This in the journal Nature Metabolism that tells us something new and surprising, in addition to confirming something that we all already know. They studied a protein that is secreted by mice and human fat cells in response to cardiovascular exercise. The protein, called transforming growth factor beta 2, or TGFB2, is an adipocytokine (literally meaning “fat cell movement”). * Previous research has shown that transplanting fat cells from normal-weight mice exercising on a wheel to mice that were overweight and sedentary resulted in improved blood sugar levels. These researchers administered this “fat cell movement” protein to mice with induced obesity. And they found a significantly improved blood sugar response to a sugar load. As well as greater insulin sensitivity, both markers of better metabolism and a lower risk of diabetes. They found that human fat cells also secrete TGFB2 in response to cardiovascular exercise. They hypothesize that TGFB2 could be used as a treatment for metabolic problems. All related to obesity, such as glucose intolerance, insulin resistance and diabetes. But they also state the obvious conclusion: exercise training improves metabolism.
Why take a pill when you can take a walk?
From my perspective, the next step is not to discuss how we can turn this protein into a profitable pill. But how we can be more active in our daily lives. We know that activity – any activity – has multiple health benefits beyond those related to blood sugar. * Right now, the recommended weekly amount of physical activity for adults is at least 150 minutes of activity. Children and adolescents should have 60 minutes a day of moderate to vigorous activity. These evidence-based recommendations were published by the United States Department of Health and Human Services. And they are supported by many organizations, including the American Heart Association. According to a 2018 CDC study based on survey data from more than 150,000 Americans from all 50 states. ##How can we make that happen? On an individual level, we can realize that every activity counts, and it doesn’t have to be in the gym. At the family level, we can make playtime more active by encouraging outdoor play. We can make family time more active by taking walks, hikes, or sports together. At the community level, we can work to make walking or biking to school safer for children. * Or organize or participate in activities such as city soccer leagues. There’s more, of course, a lot more, and it’s all better (and safer) than taking another pill. If you want more information on nutrition and health topics, or need advice to find the healthiest eating plan to help you lose weight, **click here.
