New Molecule "Eliminates" Obesity
Posted on Jul 14th 2009 2:00PM by Katherine Tweed |
| Photo: Kirsty Wigglesworth, AP |
Chemists at Indiana University have created synthetic molecules that mimic two natural hormones that help regulate glucose metabolism and appetite. After one week, obese mice that received a single injection saw a 25 percent decrease in weight, and a 42 percent decrease in body fat.
The research, published online in the journal Nature Chemical Biology, could hold promise for humans too. "Remember, even though these are mice, the treatment is affecting two receptor systems that exist in humans," obesity expert Dr. Lou Aronne told ABC News.
The injection contains glucagon and glucagons-like-peptide-1, or simply GLP-1. They both suppress appetite, but while glucagon raises blood sugar, GLP-1 has the opposite effect. The result is keeping blood sugar in check while reaping the advantages of appetite suppression.
Click on the gallery below to see other diet supplements that have been touted as miracle pills.
Story continues after the gallery.
Weight Loss Supplements
By Karen Asp
If you believe the ads, you just need to pop a pill to take off extra pounds. If only it were that easy. There may, however, be a few supplements that can aid your weight loss, keeping in mind, that you still need to eat healthy and exercise regularly. To find out what works and what doesn't we tapped Connie Diekman, R.D., director of university nutrition at Washington University in St. Louis, Mo., and immediate past president of the American Dietetic Association and Jonny Bowden, Ph.D., board-certified nutritionist and author of 'The Most Effective Natural Cures on Earth,' for the scoop on 10 common supplements.
Hydroxycut: Avoid Most Products
In May 2009, the Food and Drug Administration issued a warning to consumers to immediately stop using Hydroxycut products because some are associated with a number of serious liver injuries. As a result, the company has agreed to recall 14 Hydroxycut products from the market. For a complete list of recalled products, visit the FDA's website.
AP
Ephedra: Avoid At All Cost
Even though the FDA banned ephedra, this stimulant has been showing up online. Studies have shown that ephedra can aid weight loss, but the side effects, which include high blood pressure, heart rate irregularities, heart attacks, and stroke, can be deadly.
Chromium: Try It
Chromium, which occurs naturally in the body, helps regulate blood sugar and utilize carbohydrate, and although few studies have shown any correlation between chromium supplements and fat loss, chromium may still aid weight loss. That's because chromium helps keep insulin levels down. High levels of insulin, after all, make fat burning almost impossible. Although chromium may not cause weight loss, by lowering insulin, it may remove an obstacle to taking off weight.
How to Take It: Try taking 1,000 mcg of chromium picolinate or chromium nicotinate daily.
Guarana: Skip It
In supplement form, guarana is a concentrated source of caffeine that's supposed to increase your metabolism. However, while it might help you drop pounds temporarily, it doesn't provide lasting weight loss and could raise blood pressure and heart rate.
Green Tea Extract: Try It
Green tea contains a compound called EGCG that may stimulate metabolism. Several studies, in fact, have linked green tea extract to a reduction in body fat and increase in thermogenesis, or the rate at which calories are burned.
How To Take It: Pop 270 mg per day or drink three cups of green tea a day.
Conjugated Linoleic Acid: Try It
Commonly called CLA, this amino acid exists in animal foods like beef and dairy products. It plays a role in the health of your muscles and tissues and may help you lose abdominal fat.
How To Take It: Have 3.4 grams daily.
Yerba Mate: Skip It
Yerba mate is a concentrated plant source of caffeine that's supposed to boost metabolism. Although you might see a temporary drop in weight, changes aren't long-lasting. Plus, as with all stimulants, side effects include increased heart rate and high blood pressure. Recent studies have also shown yerba mate may increase the risk of some cancers.
Chitosan: Skip It
This bulking agent comes from the bones and shells of shellfish, and manufacturers claim it suppresses appetite and blocks fat absorption. Yet no studies show any weight loss benefits.
Pyruvate: Skip It
Pyruvate, which exists in foods like red wine, apples and cheese, promises to make you lean and help you shed body fat. The bad news? No study has shown that consuming pyruvate in supplement form will have this effect on your body.
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"I'm excited. It is rodent work that's representative of human obesity," Richard DiMarchi, lead author of the study and chairman of the chemistry department at Indiana University in Bloomington told ABC News. "What we're doing is using the proven ability of two hormones to stop appetite and use more calories."
You know what else burns more calories? Exercise. But putting mice on a wheel was not part of the study to see how effective it was in conjunction with, or compared to, hormone regulation. The chemistry involved is exciting, but no one should ditch the pedometer or treadmill just yet.
Human trials are far off, and there has been this level of excitement before when weight loss drugs work in mice, particularly with leptin. "As with leptin, we need to see the human data first before we jump for joy," Aronne said.
And while millions might embrace a quick fix, there is no telling yet what potential side effects this could have until it is tested on people. Eating right and moving more is still the safest, and most successful, path to weight loss.
