Scientists discover a protein switch that burns fat and blocks new fat cells
Researchers at the Weizmann Institute of Science have identified a protein called MTCH2 that regulates energy metabolism and fat storage. Disabling this protein in studies has shown potential to increase fat burning and muscle endurance while preventing obesity.
Why it matters
This discovery could lead to new obesity treatments that avoid the common side effect of muscle mass loss associated with current weight-loss medications.
Modern weight loss medications have transformed obesity treatment, helping many people lose significant amounts of weight. But these drugs often come with an important drawback: They can also reduce muscle mass. Now, researchers have uncovered a biological mechanism that may one day help address that challenge while also boosting the body's ability to burn fat.
The article reports on scientific findings from a peer-reviewed journal without political or ideological framing.
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