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New medication increases metabolic rate in men for weight loss

The stimulation of so-called brown fat is seen as key to weight loss by some health experts. The reason for this is because brown fat is regarded as “healthier” than white fat. Brown fat is of a so-called energy-burning kind. In addition, brown fat is considered to be a potential therapeutic target for obesity.

With the new study, scientists gave volunteers an already-approved drug. The drug stimulates metabolism and the activity of brown fat. The drug is called mirabegron and it seemingly acts as an agonist of β3-adrenergic receptors and is given to patients who experience overactive bladder.

The reason that this is important, according to lead author Aaron Cypess of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, is because “Brown adipose tissue, or brown fat, produces β3-adrenergic receptor at levels higher than nearly every other organ in the body. We showed that a one-time dose of the drug mirabegron stimulates human brown adipose tissue so that it consumes glucose and burns calories.”

In running the experiment, scientists estimated that at the 200 milligram dose used in the study, men taking mirabegron could lose around five kilograms (11 pounds) in the first year and 10 kilograms (22 pounds) after three years of treatment.

In the event the actual weight loss was less than anticipated. However, weight loss did occur and the researchers are hopeful that the findings will accelerate the development of pharmacological remedies that will increase energy expenditure and treat obesity. In essence, some form of diet pill.

The results of the study have been published in the journal Cell Metabolism. The research is titled “Activation of Human Brown Adipose Tissue by a β3-Adrenergic Receptor Agonist.”

In related news, scientists have shown that fat cells under the skin can help fight infections by producing an antimicrobial agent. A note of caution, however, was made by Digital Journal’s science editor: being overweight does not grant greater immunity.

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Dr. Tim Sandle is Digital Journal's Editor-at-Large for science news. Tim specializes in science, technology, environmental, business, and health journalism. He is additionally a practising microbiologist; and an author. He is also interested in history, politics and current affairs.

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