Researchers uncover molecular connection between body fat and anxiety
a year ago
- #metabolism
- #anxiety
- #mental health
- Researchers at McMaster University discovered a novel link between body fat and anxiety.
- Psychological stress triggers lipolysis in fat cells, releasing fats that stimulate the hormone GDF15 from immune cells in fat tissue.
- GDF15 communicates with the brain, leading to anxiety, as shown in experiments with mice.
- The findings suggest potential new treatments for anxiety by targeting metabolic pathways, including GDF15 blockers.
- The study was published in Nature Metabolism and funded by CIHR and Diabetes Canada.