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Exercise hormone sheds fat, 'helps people stay slender'

Posted at 5:36 PM, Oct 03, 2016
and last updated 2016-10-03 17:36:55-04

A new study suggests that a specific hormone when released helps shed fat. 

The hormone is called “irisin.” It helps convert calorie storing white fat into energy-burning brown fat cells. 

Researchers collected fat cells donated by 28 participants and exposed the samples to irisin. What they found was the hormone may not be allowing fatty tissue to form.  And the scientists saw a nearly fivefold increase in cells that contain a protein known as UCP1.  UCP1 is crucial to fat burning.

You need to move your body. The level of irisin rises when we exercise. The benefits not only include fat reduction, but stronger bones and better cardiovascular health. Regular exercise is one of the most important things you can do for your health. But only 1 in 5 people, roughly 21%, are meeting the physical activity guidelines.

Partha’s RX
1. If You Haven’t Exercised in a While, Start off Slowly
Try something simple like brisk walking.

2. Build Up Your Activity Level Over Time
Slowly replace brisk walking with jogging, riding a bike or swimming.

3. Adults Need 2 ½ hours of moderate Activity Per Week
Split it into smaller chunks like 10 minutes at a time.  

4. If You Have a Chronic Health Condition, See Your Doctor First
They’ll suggest an activity plan that matches your abilities.

If you’re exercising at a moderate level, you can talk but not sing. If you’re working at a vigorous level, you should not be able to say more than a few words without pausing for breath.