Liver Gene Can Slow Metabolism

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When trying to lose weight by cutting calories, many overweight or obese individuals encounter a frustrating roadblock, known as a weight-loss plateau. This is because the body eventually slows metabolic processes by halting the process of burning carbohydrates, which is the body’s natural response to a perceived threat of starvation from reduced food intake.

The liver reacts to caloric restriction to conserve energy sources to ensure essential human functions can continue. While this adaptation may feel counterproductive, it highlights the complexity of our metabolic systems. A recent study from the University of Southern Denmark, published in Cell Metabolism, offers new hope for overcoming this challenge.

Researchers discovered that suppressing a gene known as PLVAP (PV-1) in specific liver cells allows the liver to maintain fat and sugar burning even during fasting. This breakthrough not only sheds light on how the liver regulates metabolism but also opens promising possibilities for addressing weight-loss plateaus. By targeting this unique gene, scientists may one day develop treatment protocols or medications that allow the person’s body to sustain calorie burning and improve overall metabolic efficiency.

NOTE: The University of Southern Denmark’s PLVAP study on metabolism was initially published in the journal Cell Metabolism. The team of research scientists included Daniel Hansen, Jasmin Jensen, Christian Andersen, Peter Jakobsgaard, Jesper Havelund, Line Lauritsen, Samuel Mandacaru, Majken Siersbæk, Oliver Shackleton, Jonathan Brewer, Blagoy Blagoev, Nils Færgeman, and Kim Ravnskjær (all from SDU). Collaborators from Japan, the USA, and Finland. Danish scientists suggest that targeting the PV-1 gene could be key to overcoming common barriers by offering new hope for those with significant weight-loss goals.

How Cells Trigger Metabolic Changes

Recent studies on mice has revealed that a protein called PLVAP, which is found in liver stellate cells, plays a vital role in the body’s ability to adapt to fasting by shifting its energy source from sugar to fat. This metabolic shift is crucial for effective energy management during periods of reduced calorie intake due to fasting or less food consumption. Once the gene is deactivated, the liver fails to recognize the fasting and continues burning sugar instead of switching to fat.

This metabolic adaptation, while historically beneficial for human survival throughout history, often contributes to the weight-loss plateaus many individuals encounter today. The Danish discovery not only sheds light on an essential metabolic mechanism but also suggests new potential strategies for overcoming the body’s natural tendency to conserve energy during dieting. Additionally, regulating PLVAP could enhance the effectiveness of medical weight-loss programs.

The effectiveness of compounded medications lies in their ability to regulate chemical messengers in the body. These drugs target the molecular and cellular causes of weight gain, stimulating hormone secretions and inhibiting food intake due to increased feelings of fullness. With the advent of receptor agonists, it marks a significant milestone in the treatment of diabetes and obesity-related health conditions as they allow for weight loss without the need to count calories or follow restrictive meal plans.

Kickstart Your Journey for Weight Control

The latest prescription weight loss medications represent a new avenue for obesity and weight loss therapy by influencing metabolic processes and reducing between meal snacking. They simulate hormones that are naturally produced by the body to curb hunger, making it easier to maintain a calorie deficit without stringent dietary restrictions. This unique approach makes it much easier for you to naturally consume smaller portions without constant cravings.

At Metabolic Research Center, we understand that weight loss is not one-size-fits-all. MRC’s network of licensed medical providers can prescribe compounded medications that are tailored to your body's specific needs. Once qualified, your injectables are filled at a certified compounding pharmacy. Plus, we go beyond simply providing meds and supplies, our team of experienced weight loss specialists is dedicated to providing the one-on-one coaching needed to teach you how to make healthy choices for more sustainable weight control.

At the medical weight loss clinic Colorado Springs, we offer access to revolutionary receptor agonists to help kickstart your weight loss journey. By incorporating prescription injectables into our personalized programs, the MRC Colorado Springs provides a comprehensive and effective solution for individuals seeking to improve their health and well-being. All it takes is a quick email or  call to learn more and get a free consultation as your first step toward wellness.