By Stephen Bloom
A natural human hormone, PYY3-36, has been found to decrease the hunger appetite. PYY3-36 is produced in the intestines after a meal and released into the blood in proportion to caloric intake. The hormone essentially signals the brain to curb the appetite.
It has potential as a new type of weight-loss agent, according to researchers, and that potential is being explored in subsequent research phases. One known drawback is that the ideal way to administer the hormone is by injection, but other methods are under investigation. Researchers are also testing to find the foods that release the highest amounts of PPY3-36 into the blood.
In the study, healthy volunteers received infusions of either PPY3-36 or a saline placebo just before an all-you-can-eat buffet. Those with the hormone infusion ate about one-third less than their saline counterparts.
While its potential as a weight-loss agent is real, a range of other hormones, such as insulin that controls blood-sugar levels, are also involved in regulating weight and hunger. According to an editorial included in the study, a drug combination that targets these various players in the body may be necessary, and may be more effective for keeping weight off once it is lost versus just helping to shed pounds.
Nature 2002;418:650-654,595-597
It is not breaking news anymore: we have an epidemic of obesity in the US. Two-thirds of us are overweight and over one-fourth of us are massively overweight or obese.
Wouldn't it be nice if losing weight were as simple as taking a magic pill or hormone?
Over five years ago many may remember that phen fen was pulled off the market as it was killing people.
While I am convinced that scientists will come up with some very impressive drugs to perform amazing miracles of human physiology, I remain equally convinced that there is no drug, pill or shot solution for being overweight.
Any drug-based solution will always have a potential side effect that could absolutely devastate your health, or even kill you.
Fortunately, the solution is quite simple for most of us. Dr. Atkins approach is close to the optimal one in that he was one of the pioneers who recognized that lower carbohydrate intake is the central solution. Unfortunately, the Atkins Diet does not distinguish between vegetables and grains very well, or the quality of the protein sources, which are key to optimal health.
The Eades' second book, Protein Power LifePlan, is, from my perspective, currently the best book on the market that outlines an effective program to incorporate weight loss.
The Eades' book is a bit complicated, though, so I am aiming to offer a book that provides a simpler strategy combined with psychological acupressure techniques to help people solve their weight loss challenges.
Meanwhile, you can use the free eating plan and my free psychological acupressure tools report to help you lose weight. If you would like some further assistance, my new DVD ten-hour video (also available in VHS) can help you implement a successful program.
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