ATHENS, Ohio – In a significant breakthrough in the fight against obesity, researchers at Ohio University have identified a protein that could potentially combat weight gain and improve metabolic health. Their findings, recently published in the journal Obesity, suggest that Apolipoprotein A4 (APOA4)—a naturally occurring protein in the body—could be harnessed as a treatment for obesity, offering new hope to communities struggling with weight-related health issues.
Obesity remains a major public health challenge in the United States, particularly in southeast Ohio and the Appalachian region, where high obesity rates contribute to increased cases of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and other metabolic disorders. The Ohio University study, led by graduate researchers Hsuan-Chih Kuo and Zachary LaRussa, explored how supplementing APOA4 externally could restore its fat-burning and appetite-regulating properties, even in individuals with long-term high-fat diets.
A New Way to Fight Obesity
APOA4 is produced by the small intestine in response to dietary fats and plays a crucial role in controlling appetite and energy balance. However, its effectiveness is significantly reduced in people with chronic exposure to high-fat diets. The Ohio University team found that supplementing the protein externally could help overcome this resistance, preventing further weight gain and improving metabolic health.
“Our findings demonstrate that APOA4 can do much more than we previously thought,” said Dr. Chunmin Lo, corresponding author of the study and associate professor of neurophysiology, obesity, and diabetes at Ohio University’s Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine. “It’s not just about appetite control but also about how the body processes and burns fat. This action could change the way we approach obesity treatment.”
In obese mouse models, supplementing APOA4 led to:
✔ Prevention of further weight gain
✔ Reduction in fat mass and fat cell size
✔ Improved liver health, including better glucose tolerance and fatty acid oxidation
✔ Decreased fat accumulation in the liver
Notably, these improvements occurred without changes to food intake or physical activity, suggesting that APOA4 could offer a novel metabolic intervention for obesity.
Hope for the Appalachian Region
For residents of southeast Ohio and Appalachia, where healthcare access and weight management resources are often limited, this research could be particularly impactful. Obesity rates in the region are disproportionately high, exacerbating existing health disparities.
“The Appalachian region faces unique health challenges,” said Lo. “Our work aims to address these challenges by developing treatments that are accessible and effective for people in underserved areas like Southeast Ohio.”
While further studies are needed before APOA4 can be tested in humans, this research lays the groundwork for future clinical trials. If successful, it could revolutionize obesity treatment and provide a much-needed alternative to traditional weight management strategies.
For now, the Ohio University team continues to investigate the mechanisms behind APOA4’s effects, hoping to bring new solutions to one of America’s most pressing health crises.