Long hours sitting at a desk or behind the wheel can slow down your metabolism and cause your body to store fat. However, there’s a way to burn off more fat without completely overhauling your lifestyle. Scientists at Kansas State University found that you can activate a critical enzyme called lipoprotein lipase (LPL) to fight fat while remaining seated. But how exactly can this be achieved?
Understanding LPL and its role in metabolism
LPL plays a vital role in breaking down and metabolizing fats in your body. When you spend hours sitting without any physical activity, you inadvertently switch off LPL production. Without active LPL, your cells will have a harder time absorbing fat or triglycerides to use them for energy.
Several genes, such as AMPK and PPARγ1, are responsible for metabolism regulation. Activating these genes can increase your LPL production by as much as 400%! By allowing your cells to efficiently metabolize fats, you’ll successfully turn your body into a fat-burning machine.
Easy ways to activate LPL
Thankfully, there are straightforward strategies for switching LPL back on, and you don’t have to quit your desk job. Introducing even small movements into your work routine can help activate LPL, leading to a healthier metabolism and a reduction in belly fat.
- Take frequent breaks: Try setting a timer to remind yourself to get up and move around at least once every 30 minutes. A quick walk around the office may not seem like much, but it’s enough to stimulate LPL.
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Stretch it out: When you find yourself sitting for extended periods, take a moment to stretch. Reach up towards the sky, touch your toes, or twist your torso to release tension and activate LPL.
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Laugh a little: Laughter really is the best medicine. Not only is it good for your mental wellbeing, but it also boosts metabolism, as this study from the University of Maryland Medical Center found. So, watch that funny cat video or share a joke with colleagues as a way to keep LPL levels up.
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Hydrate: Drinking water is an easy but often overlooked way to boost metabolism. According to the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, drinking 17 ounces of water can increase metabolism by 30% within 10 minutes! Don’t forget to stay hydrated throughout the day.
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Sip Oolong tea: Research published in the Journal of Medical Investigation found Oolong tea to be an effective calorie-burner. Swap your usual afternoon coffee for a hot cup of Oolong tea and enjoy a metabolism boost.
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Try desk exercises: Exercises like seated leg extensions, toe taps, and heel raises can activate LPL and help counteract the dangers of sitting for too long. For a more comprehensive workout, you could consider a portable pedaling device to keep under your desk.
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Standing desks: Studies have shown that standing desks can reduce sitting-associated health risks. They may not be for everyone, but if you can, try incorporating standing intervals into your day, even just for a few minutes. This will help increase LPL production and contribute to a healthier metabolism.
LPL’s effect on cholesterol
In addition to its role in metabolism, LPL can also reduce two types of harmful cholesterol related to inflammation – large very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL1) and smaller VLDL (VLDL2). By keeping your LPL levels up, you decrease your risk of inflammation-induced cardiovascular issues and other health complications.
In summary, a sedentary lifestyle can wreak havoc on your metabolism and overall health, but it’s not too late to make a change. Introducing simple movements, stretching, and laughter into your daily routine will help activate LPL and increase your metabolism to burn off excess fat. By hydrating and swapping coffee for Oolong tea, you can further boost these benefits. Don’t wait any longer – take control of your health and start burning off belly fat one step at a time.
