Scientists may be able to ‘turn off’ an enzyme to end obesity (in mice)

It’s one of the fastest growing pandemics in the world – obesity.

But now scientists believe they have made a breakthrough which could help reverse this trend by testing, of course, on mice.

By turning off a certain enzyme in mice researchers from the German Cancer Research Center found they were able to feed the test mice fatty foods high in calories and yet they did not gain any weight.

Not only that, but none of the animals developed diabetes or any other illnesses which often accompany poor diet and excessive weight.

Before you got looking for a scientist to turn off some of your enzymes so you can stuff you face, be aware that the researchers have only been able to make this work on mice, and have no idea if the same will apply to humans.

The enzyme they switch off is called ‘Kit’, and is involved in the development of blood and immune cells, as well as stem cells.

Professor Hans-Reimer Rodewald said: ‘We are quite convinced that immune cells play a role in the pathogenic consequences of obesity.

‘But apart from that, little is understood so far about the exact processes that lead to disruptions in metabolism.’


Credit: Metro UK