The Key to being Slim, Fit and Healthy

I find it interesting how the news is reported and particularly how the same information is interpreted and altered by the meaning it is given by the writer – including me!

The latest news is that scientists have discovered a ‘fat controller’ in the human body that they believe could hold the key to tackling Britain’s growing obesity problem – see some of the headlines at the bottom of this article. The research underpinning the news headlines comes from a laboratory study involving genetic manipulation of mice which investigated the role of an enzyme (acyl CoA:monoacylglycerol acyltransferase-2 or MGAT2) and its role in how fat is used and stored – this enzyme is one of three main MGAT enzymes found in the intestines of both mice and humans.

`Here we show that the intestinal lipid synthesis enzyme acyl CoA:monoacylglycerol acyltransferase-2 (MGAT2) has a crucial role in the assimilation of dietary fat and the accretion of body fat in mice. Mice lacking MGAT2 have a normal phenotype on a low-fat diet. Our studies identify MGAT2 as a key determinant of energy metabolism in response to dietary fat and suggest that the inhibition of this enzyme may prove to be a useful strategy for treating obesity and other metabolic diseases associated with excessive fat intake.’ - Dr Robert Farese

I believe there are major limitations in the thinking that we can just take a pill and the problem will go away. In doing so the attempt is to tackle the symptom rather than the underlying causal factors. Inhibiting an enzyme in the body may on the surface appear a plausable line of enquiry however there could be many unintended consequences of going down that path and any pill will be a long way off.

The good news is there are simple things you can do right now to be slim, fit  and healthy:

• Keep hydrated; drink at least 1.5 litres of water per day
• Take regular exercise
• Eat food as close to its natural state as possible
• Take time to relax and eat

• Cut out or reduce sugar and artificial sweeteners in your diet
• Find out if you are intolerant to any foods
• Make sure you are getting enough essential fatty acids in your diet
• Understand how your body deals with toxins and detoxifies and how to support it

Why Do Some People Never Get Fat? Scientists May Have the Answer

Key Enzyme In Fat Absorption Discovered

Enzyme ‘key to weight gain’

Deficiency of the intestinal enzyme acyl CoA:monoacylglycerol acyltransferase-2 protects mice from metabolic disorders induced by high-fat feeding

Discovered: The ‘fat controller’ in the body that is the key to staying slim

Found: The Key to Staying Slim

Share this article