Weight gain is influenced by the protein molecules semaphorins, which are present in large quantities in the hypothalamus. This was established by scientists from the University of Cambridge and the Los Angeles Children’s Hospital, according to a publication on the MedicalXpress website.
In a rodent study, American researchers blocked semaphorin signals, which caused obese mice. “We see that semaphorins shape the development of hypothalamic circuits that ultimately regulate calorie intake,” said University of Southern California professor of pediatrics Sebastien Bure.
Researchers have studied the hypothalamus for decades trying to study the obesity epidemic that affects nearly 14 million children and adolescents in the United States.
These findings complemented the results of a study conducted by University of Cambridge professor Saad Farooqi. He studied the data of obese people, and said that they quite often had mutations in the genes involved in the transmission of semaphorin. Farooqi’s team tested 1,000 DNA samples.
Earlier, in June, nutritionist Tamara Duker Freiman noted that it is necessary for health to set aside time for lunch during the day, even with a very busy schedule. Skipping lunch can lead to not only bouts of hunger, but also low blood sugar and irritability.