A team of Australian scientists have developed a drug, which they say can help obese people lose weight by speeding up their metabolism. Thus suggesting that the drug, called Advanced Obesity Drug 9604, could help people to lose weight without the need for counting calories or taking more exercise. However, the researchers say that the drug should only be offered to people who are committed to using other methods, such as diet and exercise, to lose weight.
The drug is based on hormone human growth hormone (HGH). A preliminary study of AOD9604 on obese men revealed that a single injection of the drug led to an average weight loss of half a kilogram a month. Professor Frank Ng, who developed the drug, believes that there is little chance of AOD9604 causing side effects as the body does not accumulate the drug. Further trials are being carried out this year; if they are successful, the researchers estimate that Advanced Obesity Drug 9604 could reach the market by 2006.
SOURCE/REFERENCE: Reported by www.bbc.co.uk on the 5th February 2002
