A special mechanism in the brain allows the body to control weight
Last reviewed: 02.07.2025
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The human brain is a unique organ, the capabilities of which have not yet been fully studied. Specialists at Monash University have concluded that using the brain's resources, it is possible to force the body to burn fat deposits. During their research, the scientists studied two hormones that send information to the brain about fat concentration.
The author of the research project, Tony Tiganis, analyzed the principle by which the weight and energy balance of the human body are controlled. In the process of work, specialists identified a molecular mechanism based on the action of leptin (a peptide hormone that suppresses hunger in fat cells) and insulin (a hormone that is formed in the body in response to increasing sugar levels). These two peptide hormones activate a group of neurons located in the brain, after which the brain sends a signal to start the process of converting white fat into brown fat (white fat accumulates energy, brown fat burns). If for some reason this process changes, then a person begins to gain weight, and the brain stops responding to leptin and insulin signals.
The experts conducted an experiment with laboratory rodents, which reduced the level of enzymes that stop the activity of leptin and insulin. At the same time, the mice received fatty food, but the experts did not find any signs of obesity or type 2 diabetes due to the process of converting white fat into brown. At this stage, the researchers are faced with the task of finding ways to activate similar processes in the human body.
And recently in the United States of America a unique device (Maestro Rechargeable System) was registered, which helps to fight obesity. In the last few years, this is the first device that was approved by the Food and Drug Administration. The unique device was developed by specialists from EnteroMedics, it is an electrical stimulator that acts on the nerve endings between the stomach and the brain. Thanks to the device, a person can control the feeling of satiety and hunger, the Maestro Rechargeable System can be used 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 electrical stimulator consists of electrodes and a rechargeable battery. The electrodes are imported into the patient's stomach, from where they send a signal to the vagus nerve. The person is given an external control unit that can be used to regulate the operation of the device. The effectiveness and safety of the Maestro Rechargeable System was proven in an experiment involving more than two hundred patients diagnosed with obesity. However, the developer intends to continue researching the device for another five years to confirm the preliminary results.
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