Scientists from the Merck Research Laboratories in New Jersey claim that an anti-obesity pill is going to hit the market at the end of the decade. The study examined weight gain with relation to genetic factors. The best weight loss pill, which the scientists claim is going to be more promising than the earlier discoveries, is going to take a while to reach the households.
What did the Merck Research Claim?
The study seemed to have identified 3 genes that contribute effectively to overweight problems in people. The study also examined how these 3 genes form a nexus to promote obesity in people. About 1000 people with the risk of obesity were examined at the Merck Research Laboratories. The scientists then matched the data with — genetic makeup, gene use and obesity.
This was mainly done to identify the way the 3 genes worked together in different individuals to promote obesity risks.
Results of the Merck Study
In the first part of the study, the Merck researchers and colleagues from the University of California examined the fat and liver tissues of mice to identify the genetic variations associated with obesity, diabetes and atherosclerosis. After identifying the gene networks that lead to obesity, diabetes and heart disease, 3 genes — Lpl, Pmp1l and Lactb were directly linked to obesity. Scientists maintained that could be a ground for developing the best weight loss pill at the end of the decade.
In the second part of the study, the Merck researchers collected the blood and fat tissue samples of about 1000 Icelanders to determine the patterns of gene use that could be related to obesity. The scientists found one gene network that was similar to the core group of the mice study which was related to obesity.
The study suggests that these complex networks of genes can be reconstructed to provide the best therapeutic use (the best weight loss pill that targets gene networks) for weight loss.
Another interesting revelation of the study was that people with higher body mass index showed patterns of gene use in the fatty tissues but not in the blood. Scientists maintained that earlier studies could have missed this aspect of gene networking that promotes obesity in people.
