The 75-Year-Old Obesity Riddle Science Just Solved

Secret Letters from Fat Cells to the Brain00:00

Hidden inside this letter is a secret: a scientific breakthrough 75 years in waiting. Fat cells send secret letters to the brain; the information coded within them controls hunger, metabolism, and answers a near century-old riddle that could reverse obesity. If biology writes the right messages, we feel satiated, energetic, stay lean and healthy. If it writes the wrong messages to the brain, we become hungry, sluggish, end up sick and fat.

For 75 years, we've had no idea what's actually inside the letter, what's the message. A brand new study opens the letter, revealing something consequential and fascinating.

Biology's Challenge with Leptin and Obesity01:00

Biology thwarted us. Why these messages can be rewritten is the trillion-dollar question. This is a genuine breakthrough in understanding obesity.

More nuances, details, references, and written breakdown at the newsletter at staycuriousmetabolism.com.

1949 Jackson Laboratory Discovery01:30

In 1949, researchers at Jackson Laboratory accidentally discovered mutant mice deficient in leptin, causing them to balloon up as fat cells forgot how to say stop, developing severe obesity. Humans with congenital leptin deficiency also develop severe obesity.

Leptin signals the brain to reduce appetite and increase energy expenditure. Loss of leptin causes severe obesity. Giving leptin back to these obese mice or patients reverses obesity. Scientists thought they discovered the cause and cure of obesity.