New Hormone Discovery Offers Hope for Obesity Treatment

Research from the State University of Campinas (UNICAMP) reveals that the natural hormone FGF19 may activate a mechanism in the brain that enhances fat burning and energy expenditure. This discovery, published in the American Journal of Physiology – Endocrinology and Metabolism, presents a potential new avenue for treating obesity, diabetes, and other metabolic disorders.

The study highlights how FGF19, produced in the intestine, sends signals to the brain that influence energy usage. In experiments involving mice, the hormone was found to boost the activity of thermogenic adipocytes—fat cells specialized for energy expenditure rather than storage. This process is particularly active when the sympathetic nervous system is engaged, emphasizing the hormone’s role in thermoregulation and energy balance.

Researchers noted that FGF19 not only regulates appetite but also reduces peripheral inflammation and improves cold tolerance in the animals tested. Professor Helena Cristina de Lima Barbosa, from the Obesity and Comorbidities Research Center (OCRC), emphasized that these findings could pave the way for medications that replicate the effects of natural substances in the body, similar to current diabetes treatments like Ozempic, which uses semaglutide to signal satiety.

Understanding FGF19’s Mechanism and Impact

The connection between FGF19 and the hypothalamus, a critical region for energy metabolism, was a focal point of the research. The study revealed that cold exposure increases the expression of FGF19 receptors in the hypothalamus, suggesting an evolutionary role in adapting to temperature changes. The hormone was shown to enhance energy expenditure by stimulating the sympathetic nervous system and promoting thermogenesis in adipose tissue, where energy is consumed as heat.

The potential impact of this research is significant, especially given the alarming statistics surrounding obesity. According to the World Atlas of Obesity 2025, over 1 billion people globally live with obesity, a figure projected to rise to 1.5 billion by 2030 if effective interventions are not implemented. In Brazil, approximately 31% of the population is classified as obese, with many adults failing to meet recommended physical activity levels.

Future Directions and Research Goals

The ongoing research aims to discover methods to enhance the natural production of FGF19 within the body. Lucas Zangerolamo, the study’s lead author, expressed a commitment to further explore the neural circuits that regulate eating behavior and the inflammatory responses associated with high-fat diets.

The researchers utilized advanced sequencing techniques to identify hypothalamic cell populations expressing FGF19 receptors, analyzing data from over 50,000 individual cells. This investigation is crucial for understanding how to effectively leverage FGF19 in therapeutic settings.

In summary, the discovery of FGF19‘s role in energy metabolism represents a significant advancement in obesity research. As the global health community grapples with rising obesity rates, this hormone could become a key player in developing effective treatments to combat obesity and its related health issues.