Researchers discovered that a protein called SGK3 plays a key role in how stress hormones cause weight gain and fat storage. When stress hormones like cortisol are high (from aging, chronic stress, or certain medications), SGK3 helps turn pre-fat cells into actual fat cells. In laboratory studies, blocking SGK3 prevented weight gain even when animals were exposed to high stress hormones or ate high-fat diets. This finding could lead to new treatments that prevent the weight gain side effects of steroid medications while keeping their anti-inflammatory benefits.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: How a protein called SGK3 helps stress hormones turn pre-fat cells into fat cells
  • Who participated: Laboratory mice and cell cultures from fat tissue
  • Key finding: Blocking SGK3 prevented weight gain from stress hormones and high-fat diets in mice
  • What it means for you: This research may lead to new treatments that prevent weight gain from stress or steroid medications, though human studies are still needed

The Research Details

Scientists used laboratory mice and fat cell cultures to study how stress hormones cause weight gain. They used advanced techniques to track protein changes when cells were exposed to stress hormones, then tested what happened when they blocked or removed the SGK3 protein. They also fed some mice high-fat diets and gave others stress hormone treatments to see how SGK3 affected weight gain in different situations.

This approach allowed researchers to understand the step-by-step process of how stress hormones create fat cells, not just observe that weight gain happens. By studying the molecular details, they could identify specific targets for potential treatments.

The study used multiple research methods including genetic modifications, protein tracking, and different animal models. However, this is still early-stage research conducted only in laboratory settings, so results may not directly translate to humans.

What the Results Show

The researchers found that when stress hormones are present, they activate SGK3, which then moves into the cell’s control center (nucleus). Once there, SGK3 modifies another protein called BRG1, which helps reorganize the cell’s DNA packaging. This reorganization allows genes that create fat cells to turn on more easily. Mice without SGK3 stayed lean even when given high levels of stress hormones or fed high-fat diets. When researchers used a drug-like compound to block SGK3 in obese mice, it reduced fat cell formation.

The study also showed that SGK3 works in eye tissue cells, suggesting its role in fat formation might apply to different body tissues. The protein appears to work by preventing the breakdown of BRG1, essentially protecting the machinery needed for fat cell creation.

Previous research focused mainly on how stress hormones work through glucocorticoid receptors. This study reveals an additional pathway that could be targeted separately, potentially allowing doctors to block weight gain effects while keeping anti-inflammatory benefits.

This research was conducted only in laboratory mice and cell cultures. Human studies are needed to confirm these effects work the same way in people. The long-term safety of blocking SGK3 is unknown, and individual responses may vary.

The Bottom Line

While promising, this research is too early to change current medical practice. People taking steroid medications should continue following their doctor’s advice and focus on proven weight management strategies like healthy eating and exercise.

This research is most relevant for people taking long-term steroid medications, those with chronic stress-related weight gain, and individuals with conditions like Cushing syndrome. However, practical applications are likely years away.

If this research leads to new treatments, they would likely take 5-10 years to reach patients, as human clinical trials and safety testing are still needed.

Want to Apply This Research?

Use the Gram app to:

  • Monitor weight changes and stress levels if you’re taking steroid medications or experiencing chronic stress
  • Focus on stress management techniques like meditation, regular sleep, and exercise, which may help counteract stress hormone effects on weight
  • Track daily stress levels, sleep quality, and weight trends to identify patterns related to stress-induced weight changes

This research was conducted in laboratory settings and has not been tested in humans. Do not change any prescribed medications based on this information. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your treatment plan or if you have concerns about medication side effects.