ATHENS, Ohio – Researchers at Ohio University have made a significant advancement in the fight against obesity, identifying a naturally occurring protein that could be harnessed to combat weight gain and improve metabolic health. Their findings, published in the journal Obesity, highlight a potential new approach to addressing one of the nation’s most pressing health challenges.
The study focuses on Apolipoprotein A4 (APOA4), a protein produced by the small intestine in response to dietary fats. While it plays a crucial role in appetite regulation and fat metabolism, its effectiveness diminishes in individuals with high-fat diets. However, research led by graduate students Hsuan-Chih Kuo and Zachary LaRussa suggests that supplementing the protein externally could restore its benefits and help manage obesity.
“Our findings demonstrate that APOA4 can do much more than we previously thought,” said Chunmin Lo, Ph.D., associate professor at the Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine and corresponding author of the study. “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 mouse models, APOA4 supplementation successfully prevented further weight gain, reduced fat mass, and minimized fat cell size—without requiring changes to diet or physical activity. The protein also improved liver health by reducing fat accumulation and enhancing glucose tolerance and fatty acid oxidation.
The implications of these findings are particularly significant for southeast Ohio and the broader Appalachian region, where obesity-related conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease are prevalent. Limited healthcare access and economic barriers have made effective weight management a challenge for many in these communities.
“The Appalachian region faces unique health challenges,” Lo said. “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 research is needed to explore how APOA4 could be developed into a treatment for humans, the study lays the foundation for future clinical trials. The Ohio University team remains optimistic that their discovery could lead to new interventions that complement existing weight management strategies and improve public health outcomes.
