New research supports a brown fat theory that may provide scientists with a weight loss breakthrough.  In mice, brown fat is tissue that burns large amounts of fat and creates significant weight loss. Until recently, scientists didn't know if adult humans carry this fat or if it behaves the same way in human bodies that it does in mice.  But a small study published this month in the Journal of Clinical Investigation, provides new evidence that it does.

Brown adipose tissue, or BAT, is literally fat that is brown in color.  The tissue has more mitochondria that standard white fat which gives it a darker color.  Mitochondria are the energy production centers in the body.  Unlike white fat, the mitochondria in brown fat uses fat for energy and burns larger quantities of it than other tissue.

Brown Fat Theory in Humans and Mice

In mice, studies have shown that an increase in brown fat created significant weight loss because the tissue burned substantially more fat and calories.  Two things created an increase of brown fat in mice: exercise and exposure to cold air.

This new study confirms the presence of brown fat in adult men. Researchers found that when six men were exposed to cold air they demonstrated the same brown fat burning capacity that was shown in mice.  The study was small but important for those who study weight loss.

Waiting for the Weight Loss Breakthrough

Researchers still need to investigate the brown fat theory in humans.  So far only six men have been studied.  And scientists don't know if an increase in exercise will cause the BAT increase in humans that it does in mice.

The weight loss breakthrough may come with further studies.  For now, no one is recommending that we expose ourselves to the cold air to boost brown fat metabolism.  But this small revelation is helping researchers to get more excited about brown fat theory.

America is fat.  Despite years of awareness campaigns, public service announcements and incessant ads for weight loss programs, obesity rates in the United States have remained at about 36 percent, according to a recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Researchers examined both body mass index scores as well as height and weight data to determine obesity rates in 2009 and 2010.  The bad news is that there has been no improvement in obesity rates since the last evaluation period (2003-2008).  The good news, however, is that there has been no increase in obesity rates either.

Are you surprised?  It seems over the past few years there has been increased media coverage of obesity issues.  Shows like Biggest Loser, Celebrity Fit Club and Jamie Oliver's Food Revelation have made entertainment out of the issue of weight loss. We have a first lady in the White House who has made healthy eating and exercise her platform issues and online weight loss resources have made tools and education more accessible.  It would seem that America has concocted a fairly decent recipe for healthier living.  But the obesity rates tell a different story.

Are the wrong issues being addressed?  Many angry blog responses point to the fact that change needs to happen in the home.  Others point to the failure of the medical community to address the underlying medical issues that cause weight gain.  Still others say that the plateau in obesity rates is an improvement in itself.

What do you think?  Are we on the right track?  If you are trying to lose weight, do you have access to the tools that you need?  What needs to happen so that obesity rates in the U.S. decline?

Do you crave fatty foods?  Your genes may be to blame.  A new study shows that people who have more of a gene, identified as CD36, are more sensitive to the taste of fat than people who have less of it.  In fact, people who had the highest levels of CD36 were 8 times more likely to detect fat in food than people who had less of the gene.

Do Our Genes Determine How Much Fat We Eat?

These new findings are being evaluated alongside recent research into the same gene performed on mice.  In those animals, a high fat diet led to a decreased production of CD36 and a decreased sensitivity to fat. Senior investigator Nada A. Abumrad, PhD, explains more in a University of Washington publication.

"It may be, as was shown recently, that as people consume more fat, they become less sensitive to it, requiring more intake for the same satisfaction. What we will need to determine in the future is whether our ability to detect fat in foods influences our fat intake, which clearly would have an impact on obesity."

How to Manage Fat Cravings

So what do you do when you find yourself craving fatty foods?  Some fats are better than others.  Small amounts of "good fat" can be part of a healthy diet.  Look for foods that contain poly or monounsaturated fats such as salmon, walnuts or olive oil.  Try to avoid saturated fat or trans fats such as butter, ice cream, and foods that contain palm or coconut oil.  And to maintain a healthy diet, try to keep your total fat intake to less than 35% of your total caloric intake each day.

Paula Deen's s diabetes diagnosis won't change her cooking style. The Food Network star, known for her high fat, indulgent recipes, told the Today show's Al Roker that she will continue to cook and eat her signature dishes in moderation.  During her appearance, she also announced that she will be the spokesperson for Victoza, a diabetes medication that is meant to be used along with a healthy diet and exercise.

Deen's announcement has led to a flood of criticism and blame.  Some feel that her cooking style, with plenty of fried foods, butter, and high fat dairy products, is directly to blame for the diabetes diagnosis.  And many have commented on her endorsement deal with Victoza.  One blogger writes "Ms. Deen's approach of eating smaller amounts of the same unhealthful foods while at the same time promoting injectable medications sets a bad example for those in similar situations."

Many also feel that the endorsement of high fat cooking undermines standard recommendations for the management of Type 2 diabetes.   Since obesity is a primary risk factor for Type 2 diabetes and since a large percentage of patients are overweight when diagnosed, weight loss and weight management are standard recommendations for the disease.

But it is possible to eat like Paula Deen and lose weight?  Will her diagnosis change the way you eat?  Even if you eat Deen-style meals in moderation and exercise portion control at the table, are you doing yourself a disservice by keeping high fat foods in your diet?  Chime in below and add your comment.