People dream of losing weight without having to exercise. With the latest work by a group of scientists at the University of Southampton in Britain, this may actually happen in the near future.
Scientists were able to develop a molecule that mimics exercise. Dubbed "compound 14," this molecule can interfere with the metabolic functions of the body, triggering a series of events that typically happens when a person is exercising.
How does the compound work?
First, it inhibits the functions of the ATIC, which signals insulin production in the body. Then, the ZMP in the cells starts to build-up, causing the body to believe it has run out of energy. This then activates the AMPK or the energy cell censors that affect glucose production and metabolism.
Scientists conducted their experiment using two sets of mice. One group was given a normal diet and another, a high-calorie diet to increase their weight. Treated with the compound molecule, the group with the normal diet had no significant weight loss or increase. The mice's weight remained normal.
The group with the high-calorie diet, however, exhibited lowered blood glucose levels and improved glucose tolerance. Weight loss was at five percent.
Because the compound has the same motions as exercise, the molecule may lead to weight loss. If this is the case, the compound may be used as an ingredient in weight loss pills that will be effective against obesity and type 2 diabetes, the Washington Post reported.
"Current treatments for type 2 diabetes centers on elevating circulating insulin levels or improving the insulin sensitivity of an individual. The issue is that established drugs do not successfully enable patients with type 2 diabetes to achieve glycemic control and some can even result in weight gain, a leading factor driving the diabetes epidemic. In contrast, this new molecule seems to reduce glucose levels and at the same time decrease body weight, but only if the subject is obese," said Felino Cagampang, one of the study authors in a statement.
The researchers are set to conduct further studies to find the molecule's effect for long-term treatment.
Their findings were published in the journal Chemistry and Biology.
