DALLAS, Dec. 1 (UPI) -- Researchers at the University of Texas say receptors for the hormone leptin may be the key to weight loss.
Leptin, which was discovered in 1994, stimulates fat burning. It is produced by fat cells and appears to be a key element in the regulation of body size.
Efforts to use leptin itself in weight loss have so far not been fruitful. Now, scientists at UT Southwestern say that in mouse studies large numbers of leptin receptors make fat storage impossible.
"We now think that people with naturally high levels of leptin receptors may not gain weight as rapidly over time as people who have low levels of leptin receptors," said Dr. Roger Unger, the lead author of the study. "It could explain why some people can eat more and do not gain weight."
