How to lose weight without exercising
It sounds too good to be true, but scientists have developed a molecule that effectively acts as an exercise mimic. By tricking cells into thinking they have run out of energy, the molecule increases glucose uptake and metabolism, thus improving glucose tolerance and weight loss.
Developed at the University of Southampton, the molecule ‘compound 14’ inhibits the function of a cellular enzyme called ATIC, which is involved in metabolism. This leads to the build-up of a molecule called ZMP in cells, which makes cells think that they have run out of energy by activating the cell’s central energy sensor, known as AMPK.
“There is a lot of evidence from previous studies that if you could selectively activate AMPK with a small molecule, it could have potential benefits in the treatment of several diseases, including type 2 diabetes, by acting as an exercise mimetic and increasing the uptake and usage of glucose and oxygen by cells,” said Professor Ali Tavassoli, whose research team developed compound 14. “Our molecule, which activates AMPK by altering cellular metabolism, therefore holds much promise as a potential therapeutic agent.”
Writing in the journal Chemistry and Biology, the team outlined how the molecule was given to two groups of mice — one group having been fed a high-fat diet which made them obese and impaired their glucose tolerance. When mice with a normal diet were treated with compound 14, their blood glucose levels and weight remained normal. However, a single dose of compound 14 lowered the elevated blood glucose of the obese mice to near normal levels. Furthermore, a daily dose of compound 14 administered to these mice for seven days resulted in improved glucose tolerance and 1.5 g weight loss (about 5% body weight).
“Current treatments for type 2 diabetes centre on elevating circulating insulin levels or improving the insulin sensitivity of an individual,” noted study co-author Dr Felino Cagampang. “The issue is that established drugs do not successfully enable patients with type 2 diabetes to achieve glycaemic 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.”
The next step for the researchers is to examine the molecule’s mode of action in improving glucose tolerance and in reducing body weight long term. If it is found to be safe, a drug could be developed which would help those with diabetes and obesity manage their condition.
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