Scientists discovered that Lac-Phe, a molecule produced during exercise, suppresses appetite by acting on specific brain neurons, offering potential new avenues for weight management treatments.
A new study suggests that intense exercise produces a metabolite called Lac-Phe in mice, which may suppress appetite by affecting brain neurons, offering potential for future weight management drugs. While promising, further research is needed to determine if this mechanism works similarly in humans.
Researchers have discovered that the molecule lac-phe, abundant after intense exercise, is responsible for the weight loss effects of the diabetes drug metformin, linking it to appetite control and metabolism. Metformin increases lac-phe levels, mirroring the effects of vigorous exercise, potentially paving the way for new weight loss drugs. The study, published in Nature Metabolism, reveals that metformin stimulates lac-phe production, leading to reduced hunger and weight loss, offering insights into potential pathways for developing effective weight loss treatments.