New Atlas

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Inflatable weight-loss capsule is activated by a magnet

Ben Coxworth April 24, 2019

For several years now, obese people have been able to lose weight by swallowing capsules that inflate within the stomach, providing a sense of fullness. While such capsules have had to be inflated via a catheter fed down the throat, scientists have now created one that's activated magnetically.

Prof. Louis Phee (left) and Prof. Lawrence Ho, with the prototype EndoPil

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Anti-obesity genetic variant discovery paves way for new weight-loss drugs

Rich Haridy April 22, 2019

A study has homed in on a number of specific variants in a single gene that can help people either lose or gain weight. The research revealed that some naturally-occurring variants can offer protection against obesity, and may lead to new weight-loss drugs that mimic this genetic variation.

Examining genetic data from half a million people revealed several specific genetic variants associated with lower ...

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Green tea found to prevent obesity in mice

Nick Lavars March 14, 2019

The latest intriguing observations surrounding the potential health benefits of green tea come from nutritionists at Ohio State University (OHU), who set out to study how the steamy beverage might limit obesity in mice and returned some positive results.

New research has uncovered evidence green tea consumption can prevent obesity in mice

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Restricting hormone uptake boosts the burning of beige fat in mice

Darren Quick January 17, 2019

Researchers have found that blocking the uptake of a specific hormone prompts the burning of stores of beige fat in mice. The researchers say this regulatory mechanism provides a new target for the development of drugs that combat obesity by boosting the burning of stored fat in the human body.

Researchers have uncovered a new target for drugs to help those struggling to lose weight

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Compelling new link between obesity-related anxiety and “zombie cells” in the brain

Rich Haridy January 6, 2019

A new study has revealed a connection between obesity, anxiety, and the accumulation of "zombie," or senescent, cells in the brain. The research in mice revealed that obesity increases the volume of these cells in the brain, which subsequently increases anxiety-like behavior in the animals.

A mouse study revealed clearing the brain of senescent, or "zombie", cells resulted in the reduction ...

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Incredible battery-free implant battles obesity by suppressing appetite

Rich Haridy December 17, 2018

A remarkable new implantable device developed by engineers at University of Wisconsin–Madison promises a new way to battle obesity. By gently stimulating a nerve that links the stomach to the brain, the device tricks your brain into thinking you're full.

Graduate student Guang Yao (left) and Xudong Wang (right) hold a small implantable device that helped ...

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New CRISPR technique could prevent obesity without cutting or editing a genome

Rich Haridy December 13, 2018

An exciting new study has demonstrated how a new kind of CRISPR technique can increase the expression of certain genes, instead of the more traditional approach of cutting or editing DNA. The method was tested in mice, targeting genes associated with hunger, and stopped the animals becoming obese.

A new technique called CRISPRa can increase the expression of a single gene without cutting or ...

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Fat-trapping clay may form part of a treatment for obesity

Ben Coxworth December 13, 2018

While dieting and exercise certainly help people to lose weight, there are some cases where those approaches just aren't enough on their own. There could now be a new source of hope, however, as scientists have discovered that clay may cause ingested fat to pass right through the body.

Grains of arcillite clay, which is a calcined form of the montmorillonite used in the study

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Gene-silencing drug may allow for exercise-free, dieting-free weight loss

Ben Coxworth December 4, 2018

For some obese people, the amount of exercise or dieting necessary to address their condition is just too extreme to maintain. There may be hope on the horizon, however, as scientists are working toward a drug that would allow patients to lose weight without exercising or making any diet changes.

Future medications may be able to treat obesity by silencing a gene known as RCAN1 (Regulator ...

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Anti-obesity molecule promises to help fat cells burn more energy

Rich Haridy November 27, 2018

A new study from researchers at the University of Cambridge has excitingly discovered a blood-based molecule that can both increase the amount of brown fat in the body and activate its calorie-burning processes.

A molecule has been discovered that helps convert inactive white fat into active brown fat and ...