A special mechanism in the brain allows the body to control the weight
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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The human brain is a unique organ whose possibilities have not been studied to the end. Specialists in Monash University came to the conclusion that using brain resources can cause the body to burn fat deposits. In the course of their research, scientists studied two hormones that give the brain information about the concentration of fat.
The author of the research project, Tony Tiganis, analyzed the principle by which the weight and energy balance of the human body is controlled. In the course of the work, the specialists discovered a molecular mechanism based on leptin (a peptide hormone that inhibits hunger in fat cells) and insulin (a hormone that is formed in the body in response to an increasing level of sugar). These two hormones of peptide nature activate a group of neurons located in the brain, after which the brain signals the start of the process of converting white fat to brown (white fat - accumulates energy, brown - burns). If for any reason this process has changed, then the person begins to gain weight, and the brain ceases to respond to signals of leptin and insulin.
Specialists conducted an experiment with laboratory rodents, which reduced the level of enzymes that stop the activity of leptin and insulin. At the same time, mice were fed fatty foods, but specialists did not reveal signs of obesity or type 2 diabetes mellitus because of the process of processing white fat in brown. At this stage, the researchers are faced with the task of finding ways that can activate such processes in the human body.
And recently in the United States of America was registered a unique device (Maestro Rechargeable System), which helps to fight obesity. Over the past few years, this is the first device approved by the Commission for Control of Food and Drugs. The unique device was developed by EnteroMedics specialists, it is an electrical stimulator that acts on the nerve endings between the stomach and the brain. Thanks to the impact of the device, a person can control the feeling of satiety and hunger, use the Maestro Rechargeable System from the age of 18. Before using the device a person must undergo typical weight loss programs, and also have at least one disease that provokes excess weight.
The electric stimulator consists of electrodes and a battery that can be recharged. Electrodes are imported into the patient's stomach, from where they signal the vagus nerve. In this case, the person is given an external control unit, which can be used to adjust the work of the device. The effectiveness and safety of the Maestro Rechargeable System was proven in an experiment in which more than two hundred patients were diagnosed with obesity. However, the company-developer intends to continue the study of the device for another five years to confirm the preliminary results.
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