What is the Relationship between "Sunlight" and Weight Loss?

A new study has found that regular exposure to sunlight may act as a "natural fat burner" in the body. Ultraviolet (UV) rays reduce the levels of hunger-regulating hormones in the body, which can increase appetite, but the simultaneous increase in the stress hormone (norepinephrine) promotes fat breakdown, preventing weight gain. It also causes the conversion of white fat, which stores energy, into brown fat that burns energy, according to the study conducted on mice. The research team at Seoul National University Hospital in South Korea believes there may be a way to harness the benefits of UV rays in a manner that does not increase cancer risk for the treatment of obesity. The team discovered that the mice that were continuously exposed to UV rays for 12 weeks, regardless of whether they consumed a normal diet or a high-fat diet, did not gain weight. UV exposure led to increased levels of the neurotransmitter norepinephrine, which plays a crucial role in the body's fight-or-flight response and also helps regulate blood glucose levels. An increase in norepinephrine secretion in the body leads to the breakdown of fat stores for energy and burns more calories without increasing physical activity, as noted by the researchers. Although the mice consumed more calories when their appetite increased, the body converted this into energy by turning white fat into brown fat before it could be stored under the skin, thus preventing weight gain. Dr. Jin Ho Chung, the lead researcher and dermatologist at Seoul National University Hospital, stated that "this study explains the mechanism by which UV exposure can increase appetite while preventing weight gain." He added, "Exposure to UV rays not only affects the skin but also plays a profound role in energy metabolism and balancing processes in the body." This does not mean that people should sit in the sun for hours without sunscreen or use tanning beds. It is noted that UV rays can damage the DNA in cells, which can accumulate over time and lead to cancer.