Scientists have discovered two appetite-suppressing substances that could be used to create anti-obesity drugs.

In the New England Journal of Medicine, Professor Bloom and colleagues showed that increasing the levels of the gut-hormone-fragment peptide YY3-36 (PYY) reduces appetite and calorie intake in lean and overweight people. The team also showed that “obese people have, on average, only two thirds the levels of [PYY], made in their intestines, compared with lean people” (Daily Telegraph, 4 September 2003). These data indicate that a PYY deficiency could contribute to the pathogenesis of obesity. In addition, Bloom said, “These findings suggest that boosting [PYY] offers a novel approach towards treating the epidemic of obesity in our society” (Daily Telegraph, 4 September 2003).

In Nature, Professor Piomelli and co-workers reported that the fatty acid oleylethanolamide (OEA) — by activating the nuclear receptor peroxisome-proliferator-activated receptor-α — is also involved in regulating hunger and metabolism. They “discovered that by increasing OEA levels while maintaining normal levels of these cell receptors, they could reduce appetite and weight in rodents” (Science Daily, 4 September 2003).

So, these studies have identified natural compounds that could potentially be used to create anti-obesity drugs. However, Dr Ian Campbell, chairman of the National Obesity Forum, urges caution. “If this does lead to the development of even better drugs, it must be welcomed. But I am conscious that we have been here before and that other wonder molecules have failed” (Daily Telegraph, 4 September 2003). “People have to modify their lifestyle. That's got to be the most important thing to do” (BBC News, 4 September 2003).