After intense exercise, a molecule called lac-phe is produced, and it has been found to be responsible for weight loss seen in metformin users. This discovery by researchers at Stanford Medicine opens up new possibilities in the development of weight loss drugs. Metformin, a diabetes medication, stimulates the production of lac-phe, similar to the effects of vigorous exercise. This connection between metformin and exercise in reducing hunger and controlling appetite is both intriguing and significant.
Previously, it was unclear how metformin induced weight loss in addition to controlling blood sugar levels. However, this study sheds light on the mechanism by which metformin works. The molecule lac-phe, which is abundant after exercise, reduces hunger, making people feel less hungry immediately after intense workouts. Metformin triggers the generation of lactate, leading to increased levels of lac-phe in the blood.
The researchers conducted experiments on obese laboratory mice and found that mice given metformin had higher levels of lac-phe in their blood. These mice ate less and lost about 2 grams of body weight during the nine-day experiment. The study also analyzed plasma samples from people with Type 2 diabetes before and after taking metformin. The results showed significant increases in lac-phe levels in people who had started metformin treatment.
The implications of these findings are significant. Understanding the connection between metformin, lac-phe, and weight loss opens up new possibilities for weight loss treatments. Additionally, the involvement of intestinal epithelial cells in lac-phe production suggests a potential gut-to-brain communication pathway that requires further research. Exploring this pathway could lead to the development of more effective weight loss drugs.
Compared to other weight loss drugs like semaglutide, which are injected, metformin is an oral drug already prescribed to millions of people. These findings, therefore, offer hope for optimizing oral medications to control body weight, cholesterol levels, and blood pressure.
In conclusion, the study reveals the relationship between metformin, exercise, and weight loss. The molecule lac-phe, produced after intense exercise and stimulated by metformin, plays a crucial role in reducing hunger and controlling appetite. This discovery may pave the way for the development of new weight loss drugs and strategies to improve overall health. By exploring the gut-brain communication pathway and optimizing oral medications, it may be possible to control body weight, cholesterol, and blood pressure effectively. These findings are just the beginning of a new era in weight loss research and treatment.
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