Scientists at Ohio University have identified a protein that could help fight obesity by improving metabolism and preventing weight gain. The study, recently published in Obesity, found that a naturally occurring protein called Apolipoprotein A4 (APOA4) may be key to better weight management and metabolic health.
How APOA4 Works
APOA4 is produced by the small intestine in response to dietary fats. It plays a role in controlling appetite and burning calories. However, when people consume high-fat diets over a long period, the protein’s effectiveness declines, reducing its ability to regulate metabolism.
In a study led by graduate students Hsuan-Chih Kuo and Zachary LaRussa, researchers tested whether supplementing APOA4 externally could restore its benefits. Their experiments in obese mouse models showed that adding the protein prevented further weight gain, reduced fat mass, and shrank fat cells—all without changing food intake or physical activity levels.
Additionally, APOA4 improved liver health by reducing fat buildup and increasing the liver’s ability to process glucose and burn fat. These results suggest that the protein not only affects appetite but also plays a larger role in metabolism and fat storage.
Why This Research Matters
Obesity is a growing health crisis, particularly in underserved areas like southeast Ohio and the Appalachian region, where access to healthcare and weight management resources is limited. Conditions such as diabetes and heart disease are especially common in these communities.
Dr. Chunmin Lo, the study’s lead researcher and an associate professor of neurophysiology at Ohio University’s Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, believes APOA4 could offer a new, accessible treatment option for obesity. “Our work aims to develop treatments that can be both effective and accessible for people in underserved areas like Southeast Ohio,” said Lo.
What’s Next?
While these findings are exciting, more research is needed before APOA4 can be used in human treatments. Scientists will need to conduct further studies and clinical trials to determine the safety and effectiveness of APOA4 as a therapy for obesity and metabolic disorders.
If successful, this research could lead to a new way to manage obesity beyond traditional diet and exercise approaches. By supplementing a naturally occurring protein, it may be possible to help individuals burn fat more efficiently and maintain a healthier metabolism.
For now, the discovery of APOA4’s role in weight management brings new hope for tackling obesity, particularly in regions where healthcare challenges make traditional interventions less effective.
If you care about weight, please read studies about diet that can treat fatty liver disease, obesity, and hop extract could reduce belly fat in overweight people.
For more information about weight, please see recent studies about how to curb your cravings for ready-to-eat foods, and results showing what you can eat to speed your metabolism up.
The research findings can be found in Obesity.
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