28 rats go on a low-cal diet. No, this is not the set-up to a bad joke, but instead is the number of test rodents that were found to lose more weight with the help of leucine - the most common amino acid found in proteins - than those rodents that ate normally.

It was discovered that by adding leucine to a low-cal diet, the rats lost 24.5% more weight over a six week span than those who nibbled on whatever it is rats typically nibble on. In addition to the weight loss, the leucine may have also helped regulate blood sugar.

Leucine can be found at most health food stores (GNC, Vitamin Shoppe, Vitamin World, etc.). Be sure to check with your doctor to make sure supplementation with this amino acid is right for you.