Reuters
Hong Kong, Oct 2: Scientists in Japan have identified a molecule responsible for making mammals feel full, a discovery that could lead to new ways to treat obesity in humans.
Scientists believe appetite is controlled in a region of the brain called the hypothalamus, and the group of researchers claims to be the first to pinpoint an agent that triggers an increase or decrease in appetite.
In an article published yesterday in the online version of the journal Nature, the scientists identified the molecule as nesfatin-1, which is produced naturally in the brain.
After injecting the molecule into the brains of rats, the scientists observed that the rodents began to eat less and lose weight.
The researchers also were able to induce the rats to eat more, by blocking nesfatin-1.