The drug can trick the body into believing food is scarce, shifting it into `fat-burning mode' and helping ward off obesity and diabetes. However, the research is still at a very early stage and may not result in treatment for humans.
The discovery is part of the ongoing worldwide study of resveratrol, the red wine ingredient controversially linked to weight loss.
Researchers from Institute of Genetics and Molecular and Cellular Biology in France tested a drug designed to target the same protein as resveratrol.
After 10 weeks of treatment, a low dose of this drug partially protected the mice from weight gain whereas a high dose completely prevented weight gain, improved blood sugar tolerance and endowed the animal with greater athletic ability. The effects applied even when the mice ate a high-fat diet.
There were no obvious side-effects. However, mice treated with the drug had less voluntary activity.
The study has not yet looked at medium to long-term safety of the drug in mice; it is yet far removed from trials on humans. It was also unclear if there were side-effects.
The experts also warn against seeking to lose weight by drinking red wine. The amount necessary to drink would be enough to kill the liver. In any case, wine has calories and is not recommended for weight loss.
One has to wait a while, a long while, to find out if the pills made from resveratrol will be practically useful as diet pills. |