Could UV radiation stop you from gaining weight? A study suggests maybe it can, but at a cost.We often hear about the damaging effects of UV radiation on our skin, including sunburn, aging and skin cancer. However, we are increasingly learning that UV exposure can affect our metabolism too.Previous research has shown that UV exposure can limit diet-induced weight gain in mice, but the exact biochemistry underlying this weight regulation was a mystery.
In other words, UV exposure actually increases the animals' appetites. But because of their higher energy expenditure, they can easily burn off these extra calories.'This study elucidates the mechanism by which UV exposure can increase appetite while inhibiting weight gain,' Jin said in a statement.