Posted on 04/21/2025 3:37:12 PM PDT by ConservativeMind
Researchers have revealed a novel link between body fat (adipose tissue) and anxiety, shedding light on the intricate relationship between metabolism and mental health.
The findings are particularly relevant given the rising rates of anxiety and obesity, highlighting the importance of understanding the underlying biological processes.
"Understanding the link between adipose tissue and anxiety opens up new avenues for research and potential treatments," says Gregory Steinberg.
"Our findings highlight the complex interplay between metabolism and mental health, and we hope this will lead to better outcomes for individuals suffering from anxiety," says Steinberg.
The research team discovered that psychological stress, which triggers the fight or flight response, initiates a process called lipolysis in fat cells. This process leads to the release of fats, which in turn stimulates the release of a hormone called GDF15 from immune cells found in fat tissue. GDF15 then communicates with the brain, resulting in anxiety.
Researchers came to their conclusion through a series of meticulously designed experiments involving mice. Behavioral tests assessed anxiety-like behavior, and molecular analyses identified the activated pathways. A clear connection between metabolic changes in adipose tissue and anxiety was established, offering new insights into the interplay between metabolism and mental health.
"These findings open up exciting possibilities for developing new treatments for anxiety by focusing on metabolic pathways," says Logan Townsend.
"By understanding how stress-induced changes in fat cells can influence anxiety, we can explore innovative therapeutic strategies that target these metabolic processes, potentially offering more effective and targeted relief for individuals suffering from anxiety disorders. Several companies are developing blockers of GDF15 for treating cancer, so it is possible these will find uses for anxiety as well," says Townsend.
(Excerpt) Read more at medicalxpress.com ...
Now we’ve uncovered why Barney Fife was nervous and skinny!
Depression?? Weighing 85 pounds is depressing! I can’t gain an ounce. I’m disappearing.
Doctor said I swallowed a lot of anxiety along with a lot of pizzas. You got like an 8 week program….. Stripes
” Researchers uncover molecular connection between body fat and anxiety”
There seems to be a molecular connection between fat cells that cause them to stick together and make people look fat and they end up worrying about looking fat ... I sense a Communist plot here.
Then why am I not a 600 pound lump?
I have had enough “anxiety” in my life to fatten up the entire population of Ethiopia.
173, 5’9”
.
Precious bodily fluids...Mandrake!
Eating massive amounts of hgh calorie food every day and not exercising should also be considered a factor.
Interesting. I’ve always felt something like this would be found.
No anxiety. Just a lot of buichery when my cat bites me.
5’2” 116 pounds
Thanks
bfl
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.