Chronic stress may stimulate production of a protein that then goes on to block an enzyme that breaks down body fat, new evidence suggests.
Its role in stress brings new attention to the protein, called betatrophin, which was once hailed by researchers as a breakthrough therapy for diabetes, but later deemed ineffective.
While the latest properties of betatrophin have yet to be tested in a clinical setting, researchers say the findings have potential implications for humans.
“Betatrophin reduces the body’s ability to break down fat, underscoring a link between chronic stress and weight gain,” says Li-Jun Yang, professor of pathology, immunology, and laboratory medicine at the University of Florida.
"Stress causes you to accumulate more fat, or at least slows down fat metabolism. This is yet another reason why it's best to resolve stressful situations and to pursue a balanced life," says Li-JunYang. Central IT Alliance/iStock
