Why Cambridge University scientists think brain cells may prevent our bodies burning fat when we’re dieting

A study by scientists at Cambridge University has shown how the body adapts to low caloric intake. Once food is available again we eat, the neurons are interrupted and our energy expenditure goes back to normal levels. If we are hungry they neurons drive us to eat, but deprived off food they help us to save energy. "If food is available, they make us eat, and if food is scarce, they turn our body into saving mode and stop us from burning fat. "When we eat less, our body compensates and burns fewer calories, which makes losing weight harder.

Study: Brain cells may prevent fat burning when dieting

Researchers found that key brain cells act as a trigger to prevent the body from burning calories when calories are limited. Researchers switched the AGRP neurons on and off in mice to rapidly and reversibly manipulate the activity of the neurons. The agouti-related neuropeptide, or AGRP, neurons regulate appetite and when activated make you eat and when fully inhibited, can lead to anorexia. May 23 (UPI) -- Your brain may be the biggest obstacle to weight loss while dieting, according to a new study by researchers at the University of Cambridge. "If food is available, they make us eat, and if food is scarce, they turn our body into saving mode and stop us from burning fat."

Why our brain cells may prevent us burning fat when we're dieting -- ScienceDaily

A study carried out in mice may help explain why dieting can be an inefficient way to lose weight: key brain cells act as a trigger to prevent us burning calories when food is scarce. "If food is available, they make us eat, and if food is scarce, they turn our body into saving mode and stop us from burning fat." The researchers demonstrated that AGRP neurons are key contributors to the caloric thermostat that regulates our weight, regulating how many calories we burn. The team used a genetic trick to switch the AGRP neurons 'on' and 'off' in mice so that they could rapidly and reversibly manipulate the neurons' activity. The researchers tested the role of a group of neurons in a brain region known as the hypothalamus.


collected by :Lucy William