A remote control system for the fat metabolism is located within the brain, according to researchers at the University of Cincinnati (UC).

The melanocortin system was previously known to control the central nervous system (CNS). It plays a key role by receiving hormone signals from the gut and responding to the sensations of hunger or fullness. Besides this role, the melanocortin system also decides whether the extra-energy will be transformed into fat or metabolized, according to Matthias Tschöp, lead author of the study.

The researchers studied the melanocortin system in rodents. The findings showed that fat is metabolized when the melanocortin system has an increased activity. Fat accumulation may be due to the fact that the melanocortin system`s activity is reduced.

The researchers also reported clinical data from Stephen O`Rahilly and Sadaf Farooqi. Their studies were conducted on humans and indicated that the melanocortin system is controlled by the human brain and has the same functions as in case of rodents.
In essence, the traffic signals in the body were changed so the calories are metabolized, not transformed into fat cells, without changing the food intake, said Tschöp.

The study`s results are of great importance for it may lead to the development of medications or new campaigns meant to stop or slow the growth of the obesity epidemic spread worldwide.