Promising results with obesity drug

A new drug that combats hunger cravings could prove to be an effective aid to people trying to lose weight, new research has indicated.

The drug known as JD5037, works by blocking the same brain pathways responsible for hunger pangs after taking cannabis, commonly known as 'the munchies.'.

The drug controls the way the body reacts to leptin, a hormone that promotes feelings of fullness or satiety.

Experts say trials on the drug indicate that the way ahead for the development of a new class of drugs for the treatment of obesity.

Researchers found that giving the mice the drug caused weight loss and improved their health. The animals showed no signs of pshychological side-effects.

The research is published in the journal Cell Metabolism.

[Posted: Sat 28/07/2012]