McMaster study uncovers potential hormonal link to weight loss

McMaster University is making waves in the world of weight loss research after a new study uncovered a potential link between a hormonal pathway and the amount of calories burned during weight loss.

The research led by professor Gregory Steinberg and research fellow Dongdong Wang was focused on determining the reason behind one’s metabolism slowing down after periods of dieting.

After conducting trials on a test group of mice, the new research determines the GDF15   hormone not only suppresses appetite, but can also speed up the calorie burning process and reduce or eliminate the slowing in metabolism commonly experienced.

These findings follow the discovery that this hormone could reduce appetite in patients taking the drug metformin for type two diabetes.

The science behind weight loss has historically pointed to a calorie deficit as key to its success, meaning safely reducing the amount of calories consumed would result in the desired outcome.

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If these findings are confirmed in human studies, this could mean weight loss would be possible while maintaining or slightly reducing caloric intake.

Speaking with CHCH, professor Steinberg calls these findings unique amidst an increase in public interest in weight loss drugs such as Ozempic, that solely target appetite suppression.

Steinburg says a potential drug could keep the level of calories burned high and be used in addition to exercise to assist in the weight loss process.

Despite the release of the study Wednesday, the drug won’t hit markets anytime soon with potentially 10 years ahead for its safe development before release.

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