New Treatment Kills Fat Cells

WASHINGTON -- There is new hope in the fight against fat after a surprising discovery made by scientists looking for new ways to treat cancer.
 
Historically, weight loss products have targeted appetite or fat absorption, but scientists say this new technique kills fat cells by cutting off their blood supply.
 
In a study published on Wednesday in the journal Science Translational Medicine, researchers from the University of Texas say injecting a peptide called "adipotide" into obese monkeys made the animals eat less, shed belly fat and increased their metabolic function -- without any change to their diets or exercise regimens, The Los Angeles Times reports.
 
It also resulted in improved insulin resistance, which could be helpful in the treatment of Type 2 diabetes.

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