New research suggests moderate amounts of sunshine exposure could help slow the development of obesity and prevent diabetes.
Researchers found shining UV light at overfed mice kept them from gaining as much weight as was expected, these rodents also showed fewer warning signs of diabetes such as abnormal glucose levels and insulin resistance, the University of Edinburgh reported.
"Our findings are important as they suggest that casual skin exposure to sunlight, together with plenty of exercise and a healthy diet, may help prevent the development of obesity in children," said Shelley Gorman, Research Fellow, Telethon Kids Institute.
Moderate UV light exposure was found to help release a compound called nitric oxide; applying a nitric oxide cream to the skin of overfed mice was also found to help curb weight gain. The compound has also been known to lower blood pressure.
"These observations further indicate that the amounts of nitric oxide released from the skin may have beneficial effects not only on heart and blood vessels but also on the way our body regulates metabolism," said Martin Feelisch, Professor of Experimental Medicine and Integrative Biology, University of Southampton.
The findings add to past evidence that supports moderate sun exposure for health purposes.
"We know from epidemiology studies that sun-seekers live longer than those who spend their lives in the shade. Studies such as this one are helping us to understand how the sun can be good for us. We need to remember that skin cancer is not the only disease that can kill us and should perhaps balance our advice on sun exposure," said Richard Weller, Senior Lecturer in Dermatology, University of Edinburgh.
Since mice are nocturnal (causing them to rarely see sunlight) and are covered in fur, the researchers warn the study's findings should be interpreted "cautiously." In the future the team hopes to gain more insight into whether or not the same correlation between UV light exposure and suppressed weight gain exists in humans.
The findings were published in a recent edition of the journal Diabetes.
