Manchester Evening News article describing my research on the body clock and obesity related inflammation and associated diseases

    Press/Media: Other

    Description

    Manchester University scientists say obese people could combat conditions such as heart disease and diabetes by eating, sleeping and taking medication according to their body clock

    Period20 Feb 2015

    Media coverage

    1

    Media coverage

    • TitleScientists say obese people should get in sync with their body clocks
      Degree of recognitionNational
      Media name/outletManchester Evening News
      Media typePrint
      Country/TerritoryUnited Kingdom
      Date20/02/15
      DescriptionObese people could combat conditions such as heart disease and diabetes by eating, sleeping and taking medication according to their body clock, say Manchester scientists.

      The research could lead to new drugs and could open up a way to treat obesity without surgery. Patients could, by eating, sleeping and taking medication at times that fit with their body clock, control conditions without having to go under the knife.


      Scientists at the University of Manchester, led by David Ray - professor of medicine and endocrinology - found that the body clock protein, REVERB, plays an important role in the safe accumulation of body fat.

      Usually, as fat accumulates, there is inflammation in the body, which leads to conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. The research shows that the process is linked to the body clock.

      Professor Ray said: “The real puzzle is identifying what the switch is that allows some fat to be safely stored, and causes some fat to become inflamed. The clock protein REVERB is that switch.”

      The team found that REVERB affects obesity-related inflammation by regulating hormones. Experts say it could be possible to switch unhealthy fat into a healthier form and help people tackle diabetes and heart disease.

      Researchers took fat and blood samples from morbidly obese patients, both before and after weight loss surgery. After surgery, their body fat was healthier, with less of the inflammation linked to diabetes and heart disease.

      Professor Ray added: “Our analysis showed that in those who have undergone weight loss surgery, the same pathway from the body clock to inflamed fat is activated. This helps explain why surgery results in rapid health improvements.”
      Producer/AuthorTodd Fitzgerald, News Editor
      URLhttps://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/scientists-say-obese-people-should-7744372
      PersonsLaura Hand