New research aids fight on obesity risks

America’s efforts to quash obesity are picking up speed with the help of local researchers.

In a new study conducted by researchers at the University of Cincinnati, scientists have discovered proteins as possible obesity regulators.

The proteins p62 and ERK are being looked at as determinants in the development of fat cells, said Jorge Moscat, chair of UC’s cancer and cell biology department.

P62’s role ultimately comes down to restraining information and controlling hunger, Moscat said.

On a molecular level, p62 binds to ERK, which prevents the uncontrolled accumulation of fat.

“We figure if we can modulate the mechanism of ERK activity, we can achieve an effective drug therapy that can restrain obesity,” Moscat said.

The diet and exercise perspective agrees with the proactive approach to obesity, which is to lower the risks during infancy and childhood.

“Parents should be mindful without being over-vigilant,” said Debra Krummel of UC’s nutritional sciences department. “In the past, there was a documented case where the parents starved their child because of worries about the child becoming fat. Let the child self-regulate their intake.”

Breast feeding is the best protection against infant obesity, Krummel said.

There is not one specific age considered as a “tipping point” in whether children will be obese in adulthood.

“In the last 30 years, the gene pool hasn’t changed much, but the levels of obesity have sky rocketed,” said Dr. Robert Siegel, medical director of The Center for Better Health and Nutrition at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center.

“This damage is coming from genes of heredity, plus a toxic environment. This has been caused by a myriad of things; the structure of society has changed, there are fewer parks, no sidewalks, less activities, larger portions and more video games.”

In Washington, efforts spearheaded by Michelle Obama to curb childhood obesity sparked the nationwide Let’s Move initiative.

The initiative focuses on making healthy choices, having healthier foods in schools, increasing the access of healthy and affordable foods and increasing physical activity.