Obesity – Promising new approaches to weight loss

Obesity – Promising new approaches to weight loss

The reasons why we gain weight are complex and involve more than just diet and exercise. Some people seem to eat themselves tired but stay thin, while others gain weight much more easily. Experts are discovering that genetic factors play a role in weight gain.

This makes the development of effective slimming technologies a bit more difficult. To be highly effective and long lasting, any weight loss technique must attack the root cause of obesity. This means that a technique that worked wonders for me might not work for you.

However, there are some exciting developments in the world of weight loss, as companies continue to invest millions of pounds into research into weight loss approaches.

Excalia.

This medication works by tricking the body’s metabolism into staying active, leading to an average weight loss of 12% per year. For many losers, there is usually an initial weight loss followed by a gain. One of the reasons for this is that the body slows down its metabolism, which means that you are using fewer calories and have to work harder to maintain the weight. Excalia tricks the hypothalamus into keeping metabolism revved up and also stimulates a hormone that prevents us from feeling hungry. This pill is said to work faster and better than existing drugs.

Intestinal hormone – Oxyntomodulin.

This is a natural hormone. This hormone tells us that we are full after a meal, but the obese have less. The idea is to trick the gut into sending the “I’m full” signal to the brain, so you can stop eating sooner.

In studies, participants taking oxyntomodulin had less appetite, but saw no change in their enjoyment of food. On average, they lost 5 pounds (2.3 kg) in four weeks, compared to 1 pound (0.5 kg) for those who received a dummy treatment. This drug could be available on the market within 4 years.

Free electron laser: Fat removal laser.

According to Dr. Anderson of Harvard Medical School, some people will always have pockets of fat (thighs, etc.) regardless of how much they exercise or eat. It’s all in genetics. Genetics govern where and how we store fat.

Currently, excess fat can be removed by liposuction. This is invasive and can lead to wound infections. One promising approach is to use lasers to destroy all or part of the fat without breaking the skin. Scientists using the free electron laser were able to demonstrate selective heating of fat, without damaging the overlying skin. Once heated, the fat can be broken down and excreted by the body.

This laser technique has only been tested on animals, but with promising results. More needs to be done to see if it works as well in humans and how long the effects will last and of course if there are any long term side effects.

By the way, the free electron laser could also be used to treat acne.

electrical treatment.

Another approach is to use electricity to trick the stomach into thinking it’s full. Neural messages carried by the vagus nerve play an important role in regulating intake, digestion, and satiety.

The idea is to use a neuroregulator that emits very high-frequency, low-energy electrical pulses that completely block neural transmission along the vagal nerve. The VBLOC (Vagal Block for Obesity Control) is inserted into the stomach and blocks the vagal nerve that connects the brain and stomach.

The device prevents the stomach from getting bigger when you eat and prevents it from emptying too quickly. Outcome? You fill up faster and for longer. This device is still under development at the Mayo Clinic. Expectations are that you will achieve at least 10-15% weight loss, similar to what you get with weight loss medications.

Surgery without incision.

Currently, one of the most effective options for significant weight reduction is surgery to reduce the size of the stomach. The drawback of surgery is that, since it is a wound, there are always risks. Incisionless surgery promises a way to reduce the size of the stomach without incisions.

With NOTES (natural orifice transendoscopic surgery), an endoscope can be inserted through the mouth and into the stomach. There staple or sew the stomach to make it smaller. Using this technique, it is possible for someone to leave the hospital the same day. The entire procedure can be done without anesthesia.

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