Are muscles the key to staying slim?

As it turns out, the way the muscles of the inherently slim women work may give them the edge!

Researchers examined how muscle physiology affects leanness. They compared female rats with high aerobic capacity (genetic tendency toward leanness) or low aerobic capacity (genetic tendency toward obesity) to investigate how muscle physiology affects leanness.

Higher calorie burn

Researchers found that while rats with 'lean genes' burned a similar number of calories at rest as those with 'obese genes', the muscles of lean rats burned much more energy during mild activity.

This may be due to the leaner rats having higher levels of the proteins which support energy expenditure and lower levels of the proteins that encourage energy conservation - and/or an increased sympathetic nervous system role in powering the muscles of lean rats.

The role of muscle function in maintaining weight

The research sheds new light on the role of muscle function and metabolism in maintaining weight.

"This has implications for how we consider metabolism when attempting to prevent or treat obesity. Targeting of pathways maximising skeletal muscle energy use during physical activity may take advantage of already existing mechanisms that are endogenously employed to a greater extent in naturally lean people,” said the researchers.

Recommended reading: 5 Surprising metabolism facts

1. Prev:How to eat less in front of the TV
2. Next:Prevent weight gain during menopause