A newly developed fat-burning injection may aid in weight loss while allowing individuals to maintain their regular food intake. Animal trials indicate that the drug, known as RES-010, could enhance the body’s food processing efficiency, preventing excess food from being stored as fat. Mice treated with the weekly injection experienced weight loss despite consuming the same amount of food as untreated mice.
Preliminary research presented at the annual meeting of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes in Vienna revealed that the mice did not regain weight after discontinuing the drug. Unlike existing weight loss injections that suppress appetite, this injection targets an RNA molecule called miR-22, described as a key regulator of various processes related to obesity.
The injection aims to influence how the body metabolizes fats, enhances mitochondrial production and activity, and alters the functionality of body fat. Initial human safety studies on the injection have commenced. Dr. Riccardo Panella, CEO of Resalis Therapeutics, explained that RES-010 works by modifying fat and energy handling within cells, promoting mitochondria activity, and converting white fat into brown fat, which aids in burning energy.
However, some experts are cautious, emphasizing the need for more evidence to support the drug’s efficacy. Dr. Adam Collins from the University of Surrey stressed the importance of understanding the drug’s mechanisms before drawing conclusions on its weight loss effects.
While appetite-suppressing injections like Mounjaro and Wegovy have shown promise in combating obesity, there are global shortages. The NHS is prioritizing severely obese individuals for these injections due to limited availability. Approximately 1.5 million Britons are currently receiving weight loss injections, primarily through private prescriptions.
Research indicates that users of GLP-1 injections may experience muscle loss in addition to fat loss. Without significant changes in diet and physical activity, individuals may regain fat but not muscle mass upon discontinuation of these injections.