Protein in the Body Determines Whether You Will be Apple Shaped or Pear Shaped

Researchers at the University of Edinburgh have been successful in pin-pointing a protein 11BetaHSD1 which determines how fat is stored in the body, which may help explain why some people are apple shaped and others pear shaped. In apple shaped body type (unhealthy fat is stored around the torso) levels of this protein tend to be higher. In pear shaped people (fat is stored around the hips) the fat is used by the body as a source of energy more safely.

The research is opening better ways to treat obesity. Scientists are trying to develop medicines that inhibit this protein, which is known to raise the levels of hormones linked to obesity.

The research is published in the journal Diabetes.


Source: Medindia