Researchers at the University of Cincinnati Metabolic Diseases Institute found that activating brown adipose tissue, a type of fat, may fight obesity and better control glucose levels in patients with type 2 diabetes, according to a UC news release.
By inhibiting the cannabinoid receptor 1, brown adipose tissue burns more calories and can reduce body weight and blood glucose, researchers found. This idea was previously used in weight loss drugs in Europe, but they were taken off the market when severe neurologic side effects developed.
"CB1 antagonists still hold promise for fighting obesity and diabetes—the challenge is finding one that does not engage the receptors in areas of the brain that control mood and still maintains its enormous calorie-burning properties," said Silvana Obici, MD and senior author of the study, in the release.
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By inhibiting the cannabinoid receptor 1, brown adipose tissue burns more calories and can reduce body weight and blood glucose, researchers found. This idea was previously used in weight loss drugs in Europe, but they were taken off the market when severe neurologic side effects developed.
"CB1 antagonists still hold promise for fighting obesity and diabetes—the challenge is finding one that does not engage the receptors in areas of the brain that control mood and still maintains its enormous calorie-burning properties," said Silvana Obici, MD and senior author of the study, in the release.
Related Articles on Weight Loss:
Diabetes Remission From Gastric Bypass Maintained After Six Years
Gastric Bypass Increases Risk for New-Onset Alcohol Abuse
Diabetes Group: Bariatric Surgery Fights Type 2 Diabetes in Obese Patients