Apolipoprotein A4 (APOA4) is a protein produced by the small intestine in response to dietary fats. While it plays a vital role in controlling appetite and burning calories, its benefits are significantly reduced for individuals with chronic consumption of high-fat diets.

However, in the recent study authored by Hsuan-Chih Kuo and Zachary LaRussa, graduate students in biological sciences, it was found that supplementing this protein externally could restore its benefits and combat obesity.

“Our findings demonstrate that APOA4 can do much more than we previously thought,” said Chunmin Lo, Ph.D., the corresponding author and associate professor of neurophysiology, obesity and diabetes in Biomedical Sciences at the 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.”