Study could lead to new weight loss therapy

Australian scientists have discovered a way to speed up the metabolism, potentially paving the way for weight loss methods that do not require people to eat less.

According to researchers at the Howard Florey Institute in Melbourne, pills commonly taken to reduce blood pressure by inhibiting angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) could also help people to lose weight.

Mice which had been treated - and therefore lacked the enzyme - had only half the fat as those with the enzyme, despite them all eating the same amount and type of food.

The experts found that their weight loss was due to a higher metabolic rate, which was maintained throughout the animals' lifetimes.

Researcher Michael Mathai told New Scientist magazine that the enzyme in question "seems to increase fat storage and the creation of new fat cells", indicating that inhibiting the enzyme could provide a new weight loss method.

However, Dr Ian Campbell of the charity Weight Concern told the BBC: "All the evidence we have is that nothing works better than a healthy diet and increased physical activity, with or without weight loss drugs."