Can Blocking Brain Enzymes Keep You Slim?

American researchers have discovered that blocking the brain enzyme which helps stimulate appetite in mice and people has allowed scientists to prevent obesity in mice. The study, which took place at the Duke University Medical Centre in North Carolina, is expected to lend itself to creating a long anticipated drug treatment for obesity.

Mice that were genetically engineered to lack the enzyme stayed slim regardless of being on a high or low fat diet. Researchers also found that mice lacking the enzyme ate less, lost weight, and protected those on a high fat diet from insulin resistance and glucose intolerance. This is great news for millions of obese people who suffer from diabetes.

Although this discovery is exciting, many similar discoveries have failed to yield viable treatments in humans. People, who have far more complex eating and appetite behaviours than mice, may find less invasive surgical options such as gastric banding surgery more effective in achieving permanent, healthy weight loss.