Weight loss pill on cards
A MIRACLE anti-obesity pill that combats cancer, diabetes and heart disease could be on the horizon.
In experiments, mice given the drug didn’t put on weight – even after gorging on foods high in fat and sugar.
Scientists believe the same will happen in humans – and clinical trials are planned.
The compound contains a protein called BAM15 that makes the body burn more calories.
This prevents a build-up of fat and blood sugar – reducing risk of the world’s biggest killers.
Dr John Kirwan, executive director of the Pennington Biomedical Research Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, US, said: “Halting the obesity epidemic requires new, more effective medications.
“This research represents a very promising step in the discovery process.”
Obesity affects more than 650million people globally. It causes type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, fatty liver disease and more than a dozen cancers.
In the UK one in three adults are overweight or obese.
Tam Fry, chairman of the National Obesity Forum, said: “Every scientist in the world is looking to develop the treatment of choice for obesity.
“In concentrating on this protein, Pennington might well be about to find the Holy Grail – but don’t count on reaching for your BAM15 yet.
“If it works with mice, it has got off to a good start but success must await human trials once FDA permission for them has been given. The good news is this US laboratory has a good record for similar innovative research.”