The obesity epidemic has put scientists into overdrive. New research is developing a drug that attacks the blood supply of fat cells. Recent tests showed that the drug helped shed 40 percent of body fat in a month!
The research on this new drug “Adipotide,” was carried out on monkeys. However, due to the genetic similarities, scientists are confident that this drug will work the same on humans.
Previous attempts at developing weight loss drugs have failed. In the past, research was set on developing drugs that alter brain chemistry. The side affects of these drugs was too substantial to make them worth taking. Since this drug targets the cells of the fat rather then the brain, scientists are hopeful that this will give lasting results free of side affects.
Adipotide, which is injected, homes in on the blood vessels that supply fat with blood, triggering their death, and leading to the flab melting away. Appetite is also curbed.
When monkeys that had become fat by overeating and not exercising were given daily jabs of the drug, they shed 11 per cent of their weight in just four weeks.
In human terms, an obesity drug is usually seen as beneficial if a person loses around 5 per cent of their weight in six months.
The animals also shed 39 per cent of their overall body fat and bellies were trimmed by 27 per cent, the journal Science Translational Medicine reports.
Some kidney problems were noted but researchers, from the MD Anderson Cancer Centre at the University of Texas, believe these can be overcome (source).
Just the mention of this drug is exciting! However, I am curious to know what the side affects are and what lasting affect they have. Generally speaking, if you kill fat cells do they grow back? In the case of liposuction where cells are sucked out, fat can still exist because cells have the ability to expand. Drugs and surgeries may help the process along but to stay lean you must commit to a healthy life style. Fitness will never be obsolete due to a new drug, remedies or surgeries. So, continue to read these fitness tips and stay health inside and out!
Adria
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