A Sweet Discovery to Fight Obesity
Researchers at the Duke University School of Medicine have discovered a special sugar molecule that helps mice lose weight quickly and safely. When taken by mouth, the sugar starts working within a day or two, and the weight loss continues for nearly three weeks after just one dose.
It targets visceral fat, the harmful fat that accumulates in the abdominal cavity and wraps around organs such as the liver and intestines. This kind of fat is linked to serious health problems like diabetes, heart disease and stroke, according to assistant professor of pediatrics Dr. Neeraj (Neil) Surana, the principal investigator and project lead.
Unlike popular GLP-1 receptor agonist type drugs such as Ozempic and Wegovy, which cause people to lose fat and muscle all over the body, this one only reduces visceral fat. Muscle mass and subcutaneous fat, which can be healthy, remain untouched.
While other drugs work by inhibiting one’s appetite, this works by speeding up how fast the body burns fat and creates more heat, like turning up the body’s internal furnace.
It’s a positive step, although it’s not a magic bullet, says Surana. If someone stops taking it, their metabolism will return to normal, and weight could come back unless they also make lifestyle changes like exercising more or eating differently, explains Surana. That’s why researchers expect it would need to be taken regularly, like a daily pill.
So far, mice haven’t shown any changes associated with the unpleasant side effects that often come with Ozempic and Wegovy, such as nausea or vomiting. And based on how the sugar works, scientists don’t expect those problems in humans either.
The team has finished most of the early lab work and is now preparing to manufacture the sugar in larger amounts. They’re working toward filing an Investigational New Drug application so they can begin human trials. To move faster, they’re looking for funding to spin the research into a company.
If successful, this sugar could become a safer, more targeted way to treat obesity. Read the whole article here.
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