Resveratol, a chemical that attaches to the Sirt1 site is found in red wine and has been used to obesity

Toronto - A normally functioning body metabolizes carbohydrates and protein to produce the energy the body needs, but when fats are consumed the body stores them in White Adipose Tissue (WAT) cells until such a time when the body undergoes a state of famine during which time the WAT cells release the fat for metabolism.

Scientist have studied this mechanism and discovered the Sirt1 protein receptor on the WAT cells where the mechanism to start the release or absorption of fats is initiated.

Resveratol, a chemical that attaches to the Sirt1 site is found in red wine and has been used to explain the “French Paradox,” which refers to the French people’s unique ability to eat a high fat diet and not suffer any health related effects.

Scientists at the University of Louis Pasteur in France have taken their studies of the Sirt1 receptor one step further and have now identified a molecule (SRT1720) that when combined with the Sirt1 site tricks the body into thinking it is undergoing famine and starts metabolizing fat protecting the user from weight gain.

They conducted studies on mice and found that the mice fed on high fat diets were protected from weight gain by low doses of SRT1720 but on high doses weight gain was completely prevented, blood sugar tolerance improved and the mice were more energetic.

SRT1720 shows a lot of promise, but researchers are quick to point out that the molecule requires more testing before data can be conclusive.