It was effective in mice and could be an asset to humans.
Millions of Americans suffer from obesity. In fact, According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 40% of people in the US fall in this category. Why so many people are gaining and keeping on so much weight has some easy explanations but it also remains a bit of a mystery.
Compared to generations ago when daily life was simply a bit more active, people these days aren’t moving around as much. This is one reason why we’re packing on the extra pounds. We also live in environments where sugary, processed foods, and fatty meals are now readily available in abundance. These factors coupled with hormonal changes and perhaps genetic changes are leading to the perfect storm of very bad health.
Eating less-and right- and getting more exercise can go a long way towards helping you attain a better overall weight if you are obese. New research is also showing a drug similar to Viagra might also be on your side.
A Pill That Helps You Lose Weight
Researchers from Johns Hopkins Medicine have found a drug that’s a chemical inhibitor of a key enzyme in our bodies that can stimulate cells to burn off more fat. This drug was first invented to help treat Alzheimer’s disease, as well as sickle cell disease and schizophrenia.
“Currently, there isn’t a pill that has been proven effective for treating severe obesity,” said the study’s senior investigator David Kass, M.D. “What makes our findings exciting is that we found an oral medication that activates fat-burning in mice to reduce obesity and fat buildup in organs like the liver and heart that contribute to disease; this is new.”
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The studies done in mice showed results that could be very helpful to humans. Kass pointed out that, if they translate, a person who weighs 250 pounds could lose up to 50 pounds just by taking the enzyme inhibiting pill.
Of course, healthier lifestyle habits are best, but the pill could help.
“I’m not suggesting to be a couch potato and take a pill, but I suspect that combined with diet and exercise, the effects from PDE9 inhibition may be even greater,” said Kass.
Walking to Lose Weight
Getting out to a gym to be more active is a great solution for weight loss. But not everyone has the willpower to do it, or the desire. Thankfully, something as simple as a regular brisk walk can also do the trick.
According to the Mayo Clinic, adding a 30 minute brisk walk, (no meandering), to your daily routine can help you burn an extra 150 calories a day. And the more you walk, and the faster, the more effective this exercise will be.
If you are normally inactive, start with about 10 minutes a day. Take a rest for one day if you feel sore. Start slowly and gradually work your way up. Increase the length of time you walk and the speed at which you go. Eat a healthy diet, and you’re well on your way to a healthy lifestyle.
For more information on obesity in America, click here.
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