Brain Protein Strongly Dulls Appetite, Scientists Discover : Science File / An exploration of issues and trends affecting science and the environment
From Times staff and wire reports
British scientists have identified a protein in the brain that may be the most powerful appetite suppressor known. The substance, called glucagon-like peptide-1, or GLP-1, causes rats to eat up to 95% less food by making them feel full.
Scientists might need only two years or so to develop a pill for human testing as a way to fight obesity, said Dr. Stephen Bloom of the Royal Postgraduate Medical School in London. GLP-1 is found in the hypothalamus of people and it acts on similar structures as in rats, so Bloom said he is certain that GLP-1 has the same role in people.
