According to statistics, approximately 43% of the world's population is overweight, 16% of whom are obese. Chinese scientists have decided to tackle this problem in a new way and began exploring ways to influence fat metabolism in the body to prevent fat deposition at the earliest stage. New Atlas reports on their findings.
"We have been studying fat metabolism for many years, but it has been difficult to find an effective way to block fat absorption," commented co-author Wentao Shao of Tongji University.
Experiments have shown that blocking fat absorption requires the use of the enzyme SOAT2—its inhibition triggers the degradation of the protein CD36, which is responsible for fat transport. A key advantage of this new approach is its targeted action on the intestines, preventing fat accumulation in the liver.
"Our approach could be a breakthrough in obesity treatment," the scientists stated. They are currently continuing preclinical studies to ensure the approach's safety in humans.
Remarkably, other scientists had previously discovered that the gut holds the key to preventing fatty liver disease. They demonstrated that intestinal absorption was the primary factor preventing fat accumulation in the liver.
