Sunlight can help melt body fat and reduce hunger, study reveals
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Disclaimer: This article is not intended to be medical advice. For professional guidance, please consult your GP.
As people often say, nature has its own pharmacy, and it seems the sun is one of its most potent dispensers.
A fascinating new study has revealed that basking in the sun might not just lift spirits but could also help shed unwanted body fat and decrease appetite.
It's a discovery that could revolutionise weight management, especially for those who enjoy the sun's warmth.
The study, published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology, suggested that regular exposure to UV radiation could act as a natural fat burner.
This is particularly intriguing as it aligns with the common observation that we tend to feel less hungry on bright, sunny days.
But what's the science behind this phenomenon?
Researchers have found that UV radiation can lower levels of hunger hormones in the body, which typically increase appetite.
At the same time, the stress hormone norepinephrine rises, which boosts the breakdown of fat, potentially preventing weight gain. This dual effect not only curbs hunger but also encourages the body to use up its fat stores.
Moreover, the study, conducted on mice, showed that UV exposure could cause a transformation of white fat into brown fat.
White fat is what our bodies store for energy, while brown fat burns energy to produce heat.
This conversion is significant because brown fat is known to be a more metabolically active type of fat, which can help in maintaining a healthy weight.
The dermatologists from Seoul National University Hospital in South Korea discovered that mice exposed to UV radiation for 12 weeks, regardless of their diet being normal or high in fat, did not experience weight gain.
The researchers were so encouraged by their findings that they believe harnessing the benefits of UV rays without increasing the risk of cancer might be possible, offering a potential new avenue for treating obesity.
However, before you start planning to spend your days lounging in the sun, it's important to remember that UV radiation has its risks, particularly when it comes to skin cancer.
The study is not an endorsement for tanning beds or unprotected sunbathing. Dermatologists warned that while the sun's rays can have positive effects, they can also damage DNA in skin cells, potentially leading to cancer.
The study's lead researcher, Dr Jin Ho Chung, emphasised that while UV exposure can increase appetite, it also inhibits weight gain.
'Notably, the fact that UV radiation lowers leptin levels and increases norepinephrine, thereby promoting the browning of subcutaneous fat and increasing energy expenditure, provides a groundbreaking clue for the development of obesity treatment strategies,’ he said.
‘This research demonstrates that UV exposure not only affects the skin but also plays a deep role in our body's energy metabolism and homeostasis processes.'
‘Because UV exposure can accelerate skin aging and promote skin cancer, it is advisable to minimise UV exposure and protect the skin with sunscreen,’ Dr Dong Hun Lee, a co-author of the study, said.
‘Thus, our research team plans to conduct follow-up studies to develop new strategies that could mimic the effects of UV radiation for obesity and metabolic regulation.’
Members, what do you think of this study? Let us know in the comments below!
As people often say, nature has its own pharmacy, and it seems the sun is one of its most potent dispensers.
A fascinating new study has revealed that basking in the sun might not just lift spirits but could also help shed unwanted body fat and decrease appetite.
It's a discovery that could revolutionise weight management, especially for those who enjoy the sun's warmth.
The study, published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology, suggested that regular exposure to UV radiation could act as a natural fat burner.
This is particularly intriguing as it aligns with the common observation that we tend to feel less hungry on bright, sunny days.
But what's the science behind this phenomenon?
A study revealed that sunlight can help lose body fat and decrease hunger. Credit: Shutterstock
Researchers have found that UV radiation can lower levels of hunger hormones in the body, which typically increase appetite.
At the same time, the stress hormone norepinephrine rises, which boosts the breakdown of fat, potentially preventing weight gain. This dual effect not only curbs hunger but also encourages the body to use up its fat stores.
Moreover, the study, conducted on mice, showed that UV exposure could cause a transformation of white fat into brown fat.
White fat is what our bodies store for energy, while brown fat burns energy to produce heat.
This conversion is significant because brown fat is known to be a more metabolically active type of fat, which can help in maintaining a healthy weight.
The dermatologists from Seoul National University Hospital in South Korea discovered that mice exposed to UV radiation for 12 weeks, regardless of their diet being normal or high in fat, did not experience weight gain.
The researchers were so encouraged by their findings that they believe harnessing the benefits of UV rays without increasing the risk of cancer might be possible, offering a potential new avenue for treating obesity.
However, before you start planning to spend your days lounging in the sun, it's important to remember that UV radiation has its risks, particularly when it comes to skin cancer.
The study is not an endorsement for tanning beds or unprotected sunbathing. Dermatologists warned that while the sun's rays can have positive effects, they can also damage DNA in skin cells, potentially leading to cancer.
The study's lead researcher, Dr Jin Ho Chung, emphasised that while UV exposure can increase appetite, it also inhibits weight gain.
'Notably, the fact that UV radiation lowers leptin levels and increases norepinephrine, thereby promoting the browning of subcutaneous fat and increasing energy expenditure, provides a groundbreaking clue for the development of obesity treatment strategies,’ he said.
‘This research demonstrates that UV exposure not only affects the skin but also plays a deep role in our body's energy metabolism and homeostasis processes.'
‘Because UV exposure can accelerate skin aging and promote skin cancer, it is advisable to minimise UV exposure and protect the skin with sunscreen,’ Dr Dong Hun Lee, a co-author of the study, said.
‘Thus, our research team plans to conduct follow-up studies to develop new strategies that could mimic the effects of UV radiation for obesity and metabolic regulation.’
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