(NaturalNews) A specific molecule that predisposes mice or humans to fidget may also be linked to a decreased likelihood of obesity, according to a study conducted by scientists from Germany and the United States and published in the journal Cell Metabolism.
"The molecule is called Bsx and is required for spontaneous activity," said lead researcher Mathias Treier. "Mice that lack Bsx in their hypothalamus are a lot lazier than normal mice. They show less spontaneous activity and less food seeking behavior."
Researchers from the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), the German Institute for Nutrition (DIFE), Potsdam, and the University of Cincinnati examined the effects of Bsx in the brains of mice. They found that mice who lacked Bsx in their brains showed less spontaneous physical activity -- in other words, fidgeting -- and also perceived their body's hunger signals differently.
Both spontaneous physical activity and food intake are regulated by a part of the brain called the hypothalamus. This is not coincidental; fidgeting behavior is strongly linked to food-seeking behavior. Thus, when the body is hungry, fidgeting increases and the animal is driven to go find more food.
Bsx regulates the way that hunger-promoting hormones are expressed in the body. Without Bsx in the brain, the body produces less of these hormones. In addition, the researchers believe that Bsx is required for brain cells to properly interpret hunger signals from the rest of the body. Without the molecule present, the brain -- and thus the animal -- does not know that it needs food and does not feel hungry.
The researchers believe that Bsx production may be genetically controlled.
"Bsx is conserved across species and very likely plays a similar role in controlling body weight in humans," says Maria Sakkou of the EMBL. "Differences in Bsx activity between individuals could help explain why some people are intrinsically more active than others and less susceptible to diet-induced obesity. Bsx might be the key to why the same diet makes one person fat, while leaving another unaffected."
Aside from hunger-regulating effects, of course, increased physical activity helps stave off obesity in its own right.
"We're spending energy by doing that [fidgeting]," Treier said, "and this is, of course, one of the key factors in energy balance."
Related Articles
• Brain health dramatically improved by intake of omega-3 fatty acids and fish oils
• Psychiatric Drugs: Chemical Warfare on Humans - interview with Robert Whitaker
• The ADHD Scam and the Mass Drugging of Schoolchildren (Transcript)
• Research shows that seeds and nuts are "brain foods" that can also stabilize your mood
• Essential fatty acid phosphatidylserine (PS) is powerful prevention for memory loss, Alzheimer's and dementia
 |
Additional Resources:
the brain
physical activity
obesity
|
Take Action: Support NaturalNews.com
Email this article to a friend
Share this article on: NewsVine | digg | del.icio.us
Permalink to this article: http://www.NaturalNews.com/022249.html
Reprinting this article: Non-commercial OK, cite NaturalNews.com with clickable link.
|
 |
 |
Receive our Natural Health Newsletter for FREE
Subscribe now (it's free!) to win. We randomly choose a subscriber each month to send $100 in eco-home products or a RealGoods.com gift certificate (our choice). Plus, you'll receive FREE news, articles and action alerts from NaturalNews.com editors and join over 800,000 monthly readers who report extraordinary health improvements after becoming a subscriber!
- Receive breaking news alerts on natural health solutions, renewable energy, the environment, global warming and more.
- Receive a free instant download of our $29 Secret Sources guide that reveals top sources for little-known health and diet solutions.
|
|
 |
 |
Recommended Special Report:
Seven Words that can Change the World
by Joseph R. Simonetta
Read this special report now...
"Seven Words That Can Change the World reveals the astonishing, simple truths that have the power to forever transform our world for the better while freeing our minds from the enslavement of limiting beliefs. This is not a text for the simple-minded; it is a guiding philosophy for the mindful, intelligent few who are wise enough to seek out -- and recognize -- the higher simplicities of truly purposeful living." - Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, editor of NaturalNews.com
|
More on NaturalNews.com:
• Streaming Health Ranger Videos
• CounterThink Cartoons
• FREE Special Reports
• Podcasts
|
 |
|
 |
 |
NEW 6-CD audio set reveals amazing new protocol for reversing cancer, diabetes, obesity, heart disease and more. Click to learn more. |
 |
Own the first 8 Health Ranger Report audio programs on 6 CDs. Covers weight loss, ADHD, vaccinations, processed meats, bone health and more. Click to learn more. |
Featured Videos
Short clip on Aspartame
A short clip on aspartame from the documentary All Jacked Up.
Click here to view now...
Exclusive video on Aspartame
The dangers of aspartame! Exclusive interview footage from Cori Brackett of Sweet Remedy.
Click here to view now...
Exclusive Footage from All Jacked Up!
See interview footage featuring the Health Ranger in the upcoming junk food film, All Jacked Up.
Click here to view now...
Drug Ad Parody
See the Health Ranger's satire parody of Merck's cholesterol drug ad.
Click here to view now... |
Adderall vs. Meth

Honeybees Go on Strike

Adventures of Vita-Man

|
|
Read recommendations on supplement companies, health food manufacturers and personal care product makers that you can trust. Our 100% independent review list tells you who to trust and who to avoid in the natural health industry. Click to read. |
|