Researchers Discover Fat-Burning Protein Variants, Paving Way for Obesity Treatment

A study by Kobe University researchers in Japan has unveiled new protein variants that may enhance fat burning during exercise, potentially offering innovative obesity treatments, Anadolu Agency reported yesterday.

Led by endocrinologist Ogawa Wataru, the research identified two variants of the protein PGC-1α, dubbed “b” and “c,” which are produced in higher quantities during short-term exercise. Unlike the previously known “a” variant, these proteins are vital for boosting energy metabolism and fat oxidation.

Mice lacking these variants showed reduced oxygen consumption and increased obesity risk. Human trials echoed these findings, revealing that individuals with higher levels of “b” and “c” exhibited lower body fat and improved oxygen use during workouts. Ogawa emphasized that these discoveries could lead to the development of drugs aimed at enhancing energy expenditure, representing a promising new strategy for obesity treatment beyond traditional diet control. The study also indicated that these variants play a role in regulating body temperature, linking them to metabolic adaptations during exercise and cold exposure.