A research journal published in Molecular Metabolism has discovered that weight loss is more challenging for females than males. The research conducted in mice found that the brain cells, or neurons that are responsible to produce hormones that regulate body weight, differ in their performance in female mice than male mice, with female mice less likely to lose weight.
The project was led by Professor Lora Heisler from the Rowett Institute of Nutrition and Health at the University of Aberdeen.
"The World Health Organisation reports higher rates of obesity in women worldwide, reaching twice the prevalence of men in some parts of the world," the professor said.
"Currently there is no difference in how obesity is treated in men and women. However, what we have discovered is that the part of the brain that has a significant influence on how we use the calories that we eat is wired differently in males and females."Cells in this brain region make important brain hormones called pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) peptides that are responsible for regulating our appetite, physical activity, energy expenditure and body weight.
"What we have discovered is that not every POMC neuron performs the same function.
"While the subset targeted by obesity medication lorcaserin influences appetite in both males and female mice, in males, this subset has the added benefit of also modulating physical activity and energy expenditure.
"In female mice, this source of POMC peptides does not strongly modulate physical activity or energy expenditure.
"So, while medications targeting this source of POMC peptides may effectively reduce appetite in females, our evidence suggests that they will not tap into the signals in our brain that modulate physical activity and energy expenditure."
"Cells in this brain region make important brain hormones called pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) peptides that are responsible for regulating our appetite, physical activity, energy expenditure and body weight.
"What we have discovered is that not every POMC neuron performs the same function.
"While the subset targeted by obesity medication lorcaserin influences appetite in both males and female mice, in males, this subset has the added benefit of also modulating physical activity and energy expenditure.
"In female mice, this source of POMC peptides does not strongly modulate physical activity or energy expenditure.
"So, while medications targeting this source of POMC peptides may effectively reduce appetite in females, our evidence suggests that they will not tap into the signals in our brain that modulate physical activity and energy expenditure."
Weight gain has been found to be associated with several health related problems including heart disease, stroke, some cancers and diabetes, reports GymJunkies. Over £5 billion is spent in U.K. on obesity and diabetes, while the numbers are said to rise to £50 billion in the next 36 years.
"This is an enormous percentage of the population and given the links established between obesity and serious medical illnesses including cancer, heart disease and diabetes, it is essential that we strive to find new methods to tackle this epidemic to improve our health."
A proper nutritious diet including foods like broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, grapefruit, lettuce, radishes, and spinach, among others, are considered best to eat in order to lose weight, according to Health.com. Acidic liquids including Apple Cider Vinegar for weight loss have also been scientifically studied and practically experienced by people.
[Image via Shutterstock]
