A new study in mice suggests that a weight-loss drug blocks a receptor called neuropeptide Y (NPY). This increases heat production in adipose tissue and increases food intake in response to hunger while reducing energy output. Accordingly, the drug reduced weight gain by about 40% in animals fed high-fat diets. In addition, the active ingredient does not appear to cross the blood-brain barrier, making it unlike othersAnti-obesity medicationsis unlikely to adversely affect mood.
Potential weight loss drug being tested
Changing exercise and eating habits can help people achieve and maintain a healthy weight. However, taking these steps effectively can be challenging for many reasons. Some people also use medications that suppress their appetite. The research team focused on the nerve signaling molecule called NPY. It helps many animals, including mice and humans, survive conditions where food shortages are common. However, in an environment where people have easy access to food and don't get enough exercise, NPY can make it particularly difficult to lose weight.
The researchers found that the mice given the drug gained 40% less weight. The team then determined that this was due to increased heat production in the animals' brown adipose tissue and reduced total fat mass. This suggests that the drug or similar molecules could work the same way in humans as they do in mice. In addition to reducing weight gain in mice, the authors found that blocking Y1 had several effects, including improving glucose metabolism.This studysuggests that such treatment of obesity increases energy expenditure through fat burning, leading to weight loss. However, it is also worth noting that metabolism is different in mice and humans, which would require multiple tests.
