Research

        Hot topic: The body's ability to turn excess calories into heat could hold the secret to preventing obesity and developing drugs to treat it, say researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston.

        The body can either convert excess calories into stored fat or — through a process called thermogenesis — into heat, which is dissipated. Diet-induced thermogenesis has been assumed to play a role in preventing obesity, but until now, no one could explain how it happened.

        Researchers led by Dr. Bradford B. Lowell, an endocrinologist at Beth Israel Deaconess, looked at how molecules called beta adrenergic receptors work with the sympathetic nervous system to target certain tissues and prevent weight gain.

        Researchers studied two groups of lab mice — one genetically designed without the receptor molecules and one control group with the molecules — and compared their weight after feeding them two types of diets. Both groups had similar body weights when fed standard “rodent chow”. But the mice without beta adrenergic receptors became “massively obese” when fed a diet high in sugar and fat, Dr. Lowell said. “In the control mice, it was clear that a process was "switched on' as soon as they were fed diets high in fat and calories,” he said.

        Now scientists want to know how the brain triggers that process and which tissues are involved in the process. Skeletal muscle and brown adipose tissue are thought to be involved.

Tips

        Cheap fix: Getting in shape doesn't have to be expensive, say the experts at the University of Richmond.

        Their suggestions:

        • Instead of spending up to $3,000 for a treadmill or elliptical machine, spring for a pair of $50 walking shoes and (if you're feeling flush) a $20 pedometer.

        • Save the $60 fitness class fee and buy an aerobics video for $8 to $20.

        • Use the stairs in your home, office or mall instead of buying a stair machine.

        • Weight machines and free weights can cost big bucks. Use canned goods, or buy cheap dumbbells and do crunches.

        Have $75 to spend? Try these: $40 for a pair of walking shoes, $15 for a jump rope to improve conditioning and quickness, and $20 for a set of dumbbells to increase strength and flexibility.

Help wanted

        Summer help: Girls on the Run needs volunteer coaches to help young girls learn fitness and make healthful decisions.

        Volunteers are being trained throughout August.

        For information, go to www.girlsontherun.com or e-mail maxeyjl@aol.com or call 731-0089.

Siting

        Click here: Check out www.diet-tips.com for advice on losing weight. The site includes a free e-mail newsletter, recipes, nutrition information and exercise tips, as well as a shopping link.

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