Viagra and Body Fat: Interesting Hint at Potential

viagra_weight_lossAlthough we often think of all fat as the same, mammals have several different typs. White fat is the undesirable fat that is found in what are often called problem-areas in humans, such as the unwelcome “spare tire” around the midriff.  Brown fat, on the other hand, is a “good” type of fat found in humans, and is used as a kind of heating unit. It has a large role in how rapidly our bodies burn calories and produces as much as 300 times more heat than any other tissue in the body. Babies have lots of brown fat, but unfortunately by adulthood we have hardly any brown fat cells left, except for small areas at the back of the neck and along the spine.  The third category of fat found in humans was discovered more recently, and is called beige fat. Beige fat cells are like brown fat cells in that they are efficient at converting energy from food into heat. What’s exciting is that they can form from the undesirable white fat cells. Because the beige fat cells can “melt the fat” and thus fight obesity, researchers are very hopeful for their potential.

Recently, a new study was published in the Journal of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB), showing that the drug Viagra (Sildenafil) can convert white fat cells into beige fat cells.  This potential new benefit of Viagra – and the ability for white fat to be converted into something more beneficial – is exciting, especially as more is being learned about the role of white, beige, and brown fat in our bodies.

Researchers administered Viagra to mice and found that it increased the conversion of white fat cells to beige fat cells in the rodents. In addition, the drug had a positive effect on inflammation – a hallmark of obesity that increases a person’s risk of cardio-vascular diseases resulting in heart attacks and strokes – as well as cancer and diabetes. This early research has provided an interesting starting point for further research on how Viagra may reduce the risks of gaining excessive weight.  The scientists may have discovered a mechanism that allows the conversion of unwanted white fat cells into beige fat cells that can “melt” away excess weight and perhaps decrease obesity-related complications — an exciting prospect.

Dr. Marina Kurian, expert bariatric surgeon in New York spoke to us about the findings. She said, “Beige fat is new and it’s hot! But that doesn’t mean we all should go around taking Viagra.”  Dr Kurian emphasized that this research is very early, saying “More research needs to be done about the triggers of inducing more beige fat. Most studies have shown that exercise can impact beige fat by changing white to beige–it’s like getting a tan for your fat. Additionally, some people have proposed shivering and cold baths as a way to increase beige fat. I would wait for the research if our choices are a cold shower or Viagra. They seem to be two extremes of a spectrum.”

Related Reading: Thermal Imaging to Combat Obesity

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