Obesity: Study shows that appetite suppressant jab is effective in reducing weight
A hormone jab, which reduces appetite, could soon be used in the fight against the growing obesity epidemic threatening the UK, research has revealed.
According to a team of scientists at Imperial College London and Hammersmith Hospitals NHS Trust, using injections of oxyntomodulin, a naturally occurring digestive hormone, could help overweight people lose weight by reducing their sense of hunger.
The injections work by boosting existing levels of the gut hormone, which is normally released from the small intestine as food is consumed, signalling to the brain that the body is full and has had enough to eat.
In a four-week trial conducted by the team, those on the hormone lost an average of five pounds compared to those on the dummy treatment who only shed one pound.
Some 26 volunteers took part in the trial, which entailed having to take an injection 30 minutes before each meal, three times a day, for four weeks.
In addition to seeing weight loss, the volunteers using the oxyntomodulin jab also had a reduced appetite.
The study also found that leptin, a protein responsible for regulating the body's energy expenditure, was reduced among the test group.
Reduced levels of adipose hormones, which encourage the build up of adipose tissues - a type of tissue where fat cells are stored, were also found.
Professor Steve Bloom, senior researcher at Imperial College London and Hammersmith Hospital and leader of the study, said: "Obesity is fast becoming one of the biggest problems in society, affecting huge numbers in the western world.
The discovery that oxynto modulin can be effective in reducing weight could be an important step in tackling the rising levels of obesity in society.
Not only is it naturally occurring, so has virtually no side effects, it could also be ideal for general use as it can be self administered." Rising obesity levels: New treatment can help to reduce the appetite
