Obesity and metabolic disorders are becoming more and more important global public health concerns. In a new study, a group of dermatologists researched the impact of ultraviolet (UV) exposure on appetite and weight regulation. They discovered that UV exposure increases norepinephrine levels, reduces leptin levels, and stimulates the browning of subcutaneous fat, leading to an increase in energy expenditure. These findings could potentially open up new avenues for preventing and treating obesity and metabolic disorders.
Dermatologists studied the impact of ultraviolet (UV) exposure on appetite and weight control. They discovered that UV exposure increases norepinephrine levels, reduces leptin levels, and stimulates the browning of subcutaneous fat, leading to higher energy expenditure. These findings could potentially lead to new strategies for preventing and treating obesity and metabolic disorders. The study is published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology by Elsevier. UV radiation has diverse effects on the skin, which is a large area of the body.The body is impacted by UV radiation in various ways, including negative effects like sunburn, premature aging of the skin, and skin cancer. However, it also has positive effects such as helping with vitamin D production.
In a study led by Qing-Ling Quan, MD, PhD, and Eun Ju Kim, PhD, from the Department of Dermatology at Seoul National University Hospital, it was found that UV exposure may limit weight gain in mice with obesity. Subcutaneous fat plays a key role in maintaining energy balance. This new research builds on previous studies showing the effects of UV exposure on obesity and metabolic disorders. The team was inspired by their earlier discovery that UV exposure was linked to reductions in weight gain.The sun’s rays may not reach the fat under the skin directly, but they can still affect the metabolism of that fat. This led the researchers to believe that exposure to UV rays could have a significant impact on the body’s energy balance, which led to the start of this study.
The researchers found that mice exposed to UV radiation on a regular basis, whether they were on a normal diet or a high-fat diet, had an increased appetite because of a decrease in leptin, a hormone that helps regulate appetite. Surprisingly, despite the increased appetite, there was no weight gain. They discovered that UV radiation prevents weight gain by increasing the release of the neurotransmitter norepinephrine.The research reveals that UV exposure can decrease leptin and increase energy expenditure through the browning of subcutaneous fat. This process converts heightened appetite into heat, preventing weight gain by burning the increased energy intake before it accumulates in fat. The findings offer new possibilities for preventing and treating obesity and metabolic disorders by uncovering the mechanism behind UV radiation’s impact on weight regulation. This could lead to new approaches for dietary regulation and weight management.oss, providing innovative insights into health and obesity management that could positively impact human health. Lead investigator Jin Ho Chung, MD, PhD, of the Department of Dermatology at Seoul National University Hospital and Seoul National University College of Medicine, explained, “This study clarifies how UV exposure can boost appetite and at the same time prevent weight gain. These findings are important for understanding the impact of UV radiation on energy metabolism and balance, and they open up new possibilities for exploring ways to prevent and treat obesity and metabolic disorders. It’s worth noting that UV radiation has been found to have a significant impact on the body’s energy regulation.”Radiation reduces the levels of leptin in the body and increases the presence of norepinephrine, which in turn promotes the conversion of subcutaneous fat into energy and increases the body’s energy expenditure. This discovery is a significant breakthrough in finding treatments for obesity. The study shows that exposure to UV radiation not only affects the skin but also has a profound impact on the body’s energy regulation and balance. However, more research is necessary to understand the long-term effects and safety of UV exposure. There is also a need for new treatment methods that can harness the benefits of UV radiation. Co-corresponding author Dong Hun also emphasizes the importance of further studies in this area.Dr. Lee from the Institute of Human-Environment Interface Biology at Seoul National University emphasized the importance of minimizing UV exposure and protecting the skin with sunscreen to prevent skin aging and skin cancer. The research team is planning to conduct follow-up studies to develop new strategies that could mimic the effects of UV radiation for obesity and metabolic regulation.
