Reducing stress may aid in weight loss

At the early stages of a new study researchers may have insight in how reducing stress may aid in weight loss. Researchers from the University of Florida studied cells and mice and found that chronic stress triggers production of betatrophin, a protein which inhibits an enzyme involved in fat burning.

Study co-first author Dr. Li-Jun Yang said, “Betatrophin reduces the body’s ability to break down fat, underscoring a link between chronic stress and weight gain.”

Although animal studies are not always exact replicas in human models and the exact effects of betatrophin are not fully understood what is known is that chronic stress can be harmful for overall health regardless.

Yang concluded, “Stress causes you to accumulate more fat, or at least slows down fat metabolism. This is yet another reason why it’s best to resolve stressful situations and to pursue a balanced life.”

The findings were published in BBA Molecular and Cell Biology and Lipids.