Weight loss breakthrough as scientists 'cure' obesity in mice

Imagine being able to eat whatever you want – whenever you want – and not stack on any weight.

In a quantum leap for the battle of the bulge, Australian scientists have managed to cure obesity in mice, and are now hoping to get the same results in humans.

For Robert Sarli, trying to lose weight has involved everything from gym work and protein shakes to weight loss surgery.

“There’s no magic pill that I’ve heard of that you can take and all of a sudden your fat has disappeared,” he said.

But what if there was?

Researchers at Flinders University are looking into an anti-obesity drug that would still allow you to eat what you want by removing a gene known as RCAN1.

Tests using mice on a high-fat diet showed those without the gene gained no weight, while those with it put on fat.

When it came to exercise, the gene-less mice produced another result – burning a lot of energy even at rest.

While it sounds too good to be true, experts warn that eating as you please may have other health implications, such as heart disease or cancer.

One-third of Australian adults and a quarter of Australian children are either obese or overweight.

The challenge for researchers is to confirm that what seems to work for mice can do the same for humans.

“There’s a long way to go,” Flinders University researcher Professor Damien Keating said.

“This is exciting, what we’ve found so far.”