Science Helping to Solve That Love Handle Problem – Researchers Find Enzyme to Help Mid-Life Obesity

In Maryland, researchers at the National Institutes of Health found an enzyme that gets more and more overactive as we age, thus contributing to lower energy levels and increased weight gain particularly in the 30-60 year age range. When scientists blocked this enzyme in mice, they found a 40% decrease in weight gain than in the control group that didn’t have the enzyme blocked. Medication that blocks this enzyme could help improve mid-life rates of obesity which in turn will help related illnesses like heart disease and diabetes. An average American adult gains 30 pounds from age 20-50 even though they usually eat less during that period.