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Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Serivces
According to a National Institutes of Health study of a rare genetic condition, A brain chemical that plays a role in long term memory also appears to be involved in regulating how much people eat and their likelihood of becoming obese.
Brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is, as its name implies, produced in the brain. Studies of laboratory animals have suggested it also helps control appetite and weight. The NIH study, appearing in the August 28 New England Journal of Medicine, provides the first strong evidence that BDNF is important for body weight in human beings as well.
The NIH researchers studied children and adults with WAGR syndrome, a rare genetic condition. The researchers found that some of the people with this syndrome lack a gene for BDNF and have correspondingly low blood levels of the substance. The people in this subgroup also have unusually large appetites and a strong tendency towards obesity.
Click here to read more about this study.Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Serivces
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Date Added: 2009-04-06 Views : 481