4 min learnNew DelhiAug 31, 2026 03:00 PM IST
GLP-1 medicines resembling Ozempic and Mounjaro have reworked the remedy of weight problems, diabetes, and different metabolic situations; but researchers are exploring a really completely different strategy to weight reduction. A brand new examine suggests {that a} small chemical compound referred to as 5-(tetradecyloxy)-2-furoic acid, or TOFA, might assist cut back body fat in mice with out making them eat much less. Put merely, whereas medicine resembling semaglutide and tirzepatide primarily assist folks drop a few pounds by appearing on urge for food and satiety—making one really feel fuller and customarily eat much less—the molecule, first studied nearly 50 years in the past, might assist the physique expend extra power with out lowering meals consumption.
“The compound seems to be suppressing fatty acid synthesis whereas activating pathways concerned in burning fats and expending power. The findings might result in a remedy that will complement present appetite-curbing medicine”, the examine printed in Science Advances learn.
DISCLAIMER: This text relies on info from the general public area and/or the consultants we spoke to. All the time seek the advice of your well being practitioner earlier than beginning any routine.
The staff led by Anders Näär, a metabolic biologist on the College of California, Berkeley, examined completely different doses and remedy schedules throughout greater than 20 experiments in mouse fashions of excessive weight, diabetes, and fatty liver illness, and located enhancements in physique weight, glucose management, and liver fats.
When overweight mice took the compound, they misplaced weight from fats however skilled no vital lack of lean muscle mass, the examine famous. In mice, this precipitated the cells to burn as much as 18 per cent extra power with no change in physical activity or enhance in physique temperature. Notably, TOFA additionally didn’t elevate triglycerides.
Right here’s what you need to think about (Picture: Getty Photographs/Thinkstock)
“Physique weight responds to 2 levers: taking in fewer energy, or spending extra power,” mentioned Anders Näär, a professor of metabolic biology and diet at UC Berkeley and senior writer of the examine. “GLP-1s work nearly totally on the primary, so we went after the second.”
Nevertheless, the notable catch is that TOFA has not but been examined in people. So, consultants have no idea whether or not it’ll produce the identical weight reduction in folks, what dose can be acceptable, or what unwanted effects it may need. It isn’t an authorised weight-loss drugs.
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“TOFA might produce spectacular weight loss in mice, however pre-clinical success is just not scientific proof. Tons of of molecules look promising in animal fashions and by no means grow to be therapies. With out human randomised trials establishing efficacy, security and sturdiness, TOFA stays an experimental laboratory compound,not an weight problems drug. The headlines are effectively forward of the science,” Dr Rajiv Kovil, diabetes and weight problems specialist, Zandra Healthcare informed indianexpress.com.
Concurring, Dr Vijay Negalur, HoD- Diabetology, KIMS Hospitals, Thane, mentioned that the latest examine was carried out on overweight male mice over a comparatively brief time period. “We nonetheless want to search out out if the identical impact takes place in people, what dose can be appropriate, and whether or not it’s secure when utilized in the long run,” Dr Negalur informed indianexpress.com.
Ought to people who wish to drop a few pounds attempt TOFA?
Not at this stage ought to TOFA be thought to be a weight-loss complement or a medication, clarified Dr Negalur. “Analysis-grade TOFA is just not the identical as an authorised pharmaceutical product and isn’t meant to be used by people on their very own. Till correctly carried out human trials have established its security and effectiveness, folks ought to proceed to depend on evidence-based strategies for managing weight problems moderately than attempting out analysis chemical substances,” mentioned Dr Negalur.
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The examine is thrilling because it suggests a brand new strategy to coping with weight problems; as an alternative of simply suppressing urge for food, it may be doable to extend power expenditure. “Nevertheless, in a scientific context, the suitable time period in the intervening time is ‘promising’, not ‘confirmed’,” Dr Negalur asserted.
DISCLAIMER: This text relies on info from the general public area and/or the consultants we spoke to. All the time seek the advice of your well being practitioner earlier than beginning any routine.
