Tailor made fat storage a thing of the present
New research has shown that the combination of bone marrow technology and genetic engineering could result in the manipulation of fat storage and production. A report was released in the March 2016 issue of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology which suggests that some human fat cells are actually produced from stem cells in bone marrow. Therefore, research is underway in order to manipulate the production of these fat cells in order to reduce both obesity and the risks of the diseases associated with it.
The researchers recruited patients that had undergone bone marrow transplants; they then took fat tissue samples and matched the DNA in these samples with either the donor or recipient from the transplant. They subsequently found that some of the fat cells contained the donor DNA, meaning that they had originated from the donor stem cells. This discovery highlights the possibility of new strategies to prevent and even reverse fat-related conditions; it’s also helping to unravel the complex and difficult world of obesity treatment.
Read MoreOverweight and obesity associated with memory loss
Overweight adults have a reduced ability to recall past memories. This is the conclusion from a study conducted at the University of Cambridge. This small study supports previous evidence that overweight and obesity can cause changes in the structure and function of the brain. Recently obesity has been linked with altered functioning of the hippocampus, the area of the brain that is involved in the formation of memories and learning, whilst also affecting the frontal lobe, which is associated with decision making and emotions. Recalling past events is known as episodic memory, and the research group wanted to further understand obesity’s role in this function.
50 participants aged between 18-35, with BMI range of 18-51, took part in an exercise known as the ‘Treasure-Hunt Task’. This is where participants are asked to mentally ‘hide’ things around a complex scene across 2 days, they were then asked to find these things. An association between higher BMI and poorer performance on the tasks was found. The researchers did concede that the study was small and that further research is required to fully establish a link between obesity and memory loss. Furthermore, they are eager to explore the effects of memory recall of certain meals, as dysfunction here may lead to problems in regulating consumption of certain foods. This would mean that it could be harder to keep track of what an individual has eaten, possibly leading to over eating.
Read MorePeanut snacking may help ward off obesity
A recent study found a reduction in BMI of Hispanic middle school children who took part in a peanut snacking intervention. The study was carried out at the University of Houston and was performed over 12 weeks. The authors observed that snacking is very common amongst adolescents and by stopping the consumption of unhealthy snacks, and initiating the consumption of healthier alternatives, they may be able to address the development of obesity. Before the study was carried out the researchers found that many children skip meals throughout the day, for a number of reasons, and this can cause them to snack more often. Students were given nutritional advice and split into 2 groups, where one received a peanut snack 3-4 times a week, and the other only once. Peanuts were chosen as they are nutrient dense and promote a feeling of satiety.
It was found that the students who received more peanuts experienced are higher reduction of BMI, compared to those that only received peanuts once a week. The authors are keen to emphasise that afterschool programs such as this can have both a direct effect, by reducing the weight of children, but also change the mind-set and food choices of children. They are hoping to continue research into the use of afterschool programs that can prevent obesity.
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