Can Blocking Brain Enzymes Keep you Slim?

American researchers have discovered that blocking the brain enzyme CaMKK2, which helps stimulate appetite in mice and people, has enabled scientists to prevent obesity in mice. The study which took place at the Duke University Medical Centre in North Carolina is expected to lend itself to creating a long anticipated drug treatment for obesity.

Ghrelin, an enzyme released in the stomach when empty signals the brain using CaMKK2, which in turn makes food more appealing to hungry people. Mice that were genetically engineered to lack the enzyme CaMKK2, stayed slim regardless of being on a high or low fat diet. Researchers also found that mice lacking CaMKK2 ate less, lost weight and protected those on a high fat diet from insulin resistance and glucose intolerance. This is great news for millions of obese people who suffer from diabetes.

Although this discovery is exciting, many similar discoveries have failed to yield viable treatments in humans. Creating a synthetic chemical that will pass though the blood vessels that feed the brain, has proven impossible for researchers up to this point. People, who have far more complex eating and appetite behaviours than mice may find less invasive surgical options such as lap band surgery more effective in achieving permanent healthy weight loss.