Want to Live Longer? Brown Fat Might Be the Secret
A team of scientists from Rutgers University’s New Jersey Medical School has made a fascinating discovery about brown fat, which could help people stay fit and healthy as they age. Their study, published in Aging Cell, found that mice lacking a specific gene developed a more powerful type of brown fat that significantly improved their lifespan and physical performance.
How Brown Fat Differs from White Fat
Unlike white fat, which stores energy, brown fat actively burns calories and helps regulate body temperature. This study revealed that brown fat also plays an important role in enhancing exercise performance by improving blood flow to muscles during physical activity.
Enhanced Exercise Ability and Longer Lifespan
The genetically modified mice in the study produced higher amounts of active brown fat. As a result, they exhibited about 30% better physical performance than normal mice, including increased speed and endurance. Additionally, these mice lived approximately 20% longer than their regular counterparts, with female mice outliving males—mirroring human longevity patterns.
Potential for Human Applications
The research team is now working on developing a drug that could replicate these effects in humans. According to Stephen Vatner, the study’s senior author, a treatment that enhances exercise capacity could be highly beneficial for healthy ageing.
Conclusion
Despite medical advancements increasing human lifespans, many people still suffer from age-related diseases such as obesity, diabetes, heart conditions, and even cancer. This research provides hope for developing new medications that support not only a longer life but also a healthier one.
By studying models of healthy ageing, scientists aim to find solutions that allow people to enjoy better physical and mental well-being as they grow older. The potential of brown fat in promoting healthful longevity marks an exciting step forward in this field of research.
Source: Inputs from various media Sources
Priya Bairagi
Reviewed by Dr Aarti Nehra (MBBS, MMST)
I’m a pharmacist with a strong background in health sciences. I hold a BSc from Delhi University and a pharmacy degree from PDM University. I write articles and daily health news while interviewing doctors to bring you the latest insights. In my free time, you’ll find me at the gym or lost in a sci-fi novel.
