Bones Affect Appetite & Metabolism

Bones have been found to produce a hormone that increases insulin production and decreases blood glucose levels by researchers from the Montreal Clinical Research Institute. Osteoblasts which are responsible for forming bones produce osteocalcin proteins, upon activation it helps to increase insulin levels which then reduces sugar in the blood.

The hormone is initially inactive and will first build up in bones to be released to the blood after a series of chemical reactions. To become active furin enzymes act like molecular scissors which snip off some of the molecules in osteocalcin, if there is no furin the hormone will remain inactive, according to Professor Mathieu Ferron. If inactive osteocalcin is released into the blood it will not affect insulin production; and removing the scissor action reduces the appetite.

Osteocalcin does not have a direct effect on appetite, its function is to create larger insulin levels related to metabolism; appetite is the natural desire to satisfy food needs, while metabolism is chemical processes which helps the body to absorb energy and nutrients from food. Type 2 diabetes is concerned with glucose and insulin levels, this study aims to help diabetes patients with the condition in the future and suggests changes in the concentration of osteocalcin in the blood may help some individuals keep diabetes at bay.

Ferron adds their results suggest existence of the new bone hormone controls food intake, which they hope to determine whether or not furin interacts with another protein involved in appetite regulation in future investigations.

Until sufficient evidence is found as to how to trigger activation of osteocalcins alternative methods to increasing metabolism may help those diagnosed with obesity, diabetes, and other metabolic disorders such as normalizing eating habits, eating healthy and organic foods, exercise, natural supplements, spending time in the sun, lowering stress, better nutrition, following the body’s circadian rhythm, and making healthier lifestyle choices including being more active and less sedentary.