Protein Deficiency Promotes Lean Weight

Factor inhibiting HIF-1alpha, FIH, is protein that serves as an essential regulator of metabolism, as it is involved in the response to low levels of oxygen.  University of California in San Diego (UCSD; California, USA) researchers have discovered that laboratory mice lacking the FIH protein exhibited increased insulin sensitivity and decreased adiposity, and despite consuming a high-fat diet were able to remain lean and healthy.  The researchers are hopeful that their discovery may lead to identification of new targets for drugs to help control weight.