Obesity Drug For Mice May Help Humans

A new study published in the August 18th edition of Scientific Reports, has produced some unexpected results regarding a new drug which significantly improves metabolism, and increases the lifespan of obese mice.

When given to mice, the drug known as SRT – 1720 reduced fat in the liver, and assisted in the processing of sugar. Overweight mice that received the drug lived the same amount of time on average, as the mice of normal weight. Within the group of obese mice, those that were chosen to test the drug lived on average, an extra 44 percent longer than the overweight mice that did not get the drug.

Results from this study have some interesting implications for humans. As rates of obesity continue to rise in the US, there is an increased call for viable solutions to combat this debilitating and costly trend. Researchers are currently testing a similar drug called SRT – 2104 to identify its suitability for humans. Clinical trials are expected to begin shortly.

It should be noted however, that although the drug appears to offer a protective factor against illnesses and disease common to obese populations, this does not remove personal responsibility regarding sensible balanced eating and a healthy lifestyle.

This study is available online at: http://www.nature.com/srep/2011/110818/srep00070/full/srep00070.html