Study conducted by Aberdeen University reveals the influence of lifestyle changes on body fat levels

A groundbreaking study conducted by researchers at the University of Aberdeen has revealed that an active lifestyle can significantly impact how the body burns saturated and unsaturated fat. The study, funded by the British Heart Foundation and published in Nature Communications, delved into the intricate mechanisms of fat metabolism in individuals with varying levels of physical fitness.

The research focused on two distinct groups – ‘super healthy’ male athletes and males with type 2 diabetes who were sedentary. Both groups underwent an 8-week exercise regime swap to observe the effects on fat utilization. The athletes transitioned from vigorous exercise to no exercise, while the individuals with type 2 diabetes engaged in endurance training for 5 hours a week.

Before and after the lifestyle swap, the volunteers received intravenous injections of different fats and underwent MRI scans to monitor how the fat behaved within their muscle cells. The results were striking – the group with type 2 diabetes experienced weight loss, improved insulin sensitivity, and reductions in cholesterol, triglycerides, and fasting glucose levels.

Professor Dana Dawson, leading the research team, highlighted the findings that saturated fat is utilized intensively for physical activity in athletes, serving as the preferred source of energy. In contrast, individuals with type 2 diabetes predominantly stored saturated fat. The study also revealed that endurance exercise training in individuals with type 2 diabetes increased the storage and utilization of saturated fat in their muscle cells, aligning them with the deconditioned athletes after 8 weeks of training.

One participant in the study, Fergus McKiddie, shared his experience as an athlete who transitioned to a sedentary lifestyle for the research. Fergus emphasized the importance of understanding how the body handles fats and the impact of exercise on metabolism. Another participant, Ian Frizell, who has type 2 diabetes, expressed his satisfaction with the health benefits he experienced post-swap, including weight loss, improved fitness levels, and better blood sugar and cholesterol readings.

Professor Bryan Williams, Chief Scientific and Medical Officer at the British Heart Foundation, commended the study’s findings, emphasizing the importance of physical activity in improving heart health. He reiterated the existing advice to replace saturated fats in the diet with unsaturated fats and highlighted the cardiovascular benefits of daily physical activity in reducing the risk of heart disease.

Overall, the research sheds light on the intricate relationship between physical activity, fat metabolism, and overall health. The study underscores the importance of maintaining an active lifestyle for optimal fat utilization and metabolic health. As the findings continue to unravel the complexities of fat metabolism, individuals are encouraged to prioritize regular exercise and healthy dietary choices to enhance their overall well-being.