Scientists are close to developing a new wonder diet pill which switches off appetite without any side effects.
Scientists are close to developing a new wonder diet pill which switches off appetite without any side effects.The pill stops obese people from feeling hungry by mimicking the effect of a hormone that switches off appetite and the pleasure associated with eating. This drug could help combat the growing obesity epidemic in the UK, with 15 million people now being categorized as obese.
Early results of the clinical trials of the new compound which has been codenamed OAP-189 look promising. This compound was discovered by researchers at Imperial College London. It is a synthetic version of a hormone called oxyntomodulin.
Spokesman for the National Obesity Forum, Tam Fry said, "Using these hormones to try to treat the overweight has to be the way forward because they are having an effect on the brain."
Side-effects of the drug are predicted to be limited to bouts of nausea. But extensive human testing has to be undertaken before it reaches the market. It will take about 5-7 years before the drug hits the market.
Source-Medindia