Scientists close to 'obesity' pill

Researchers in Birmingham are close to developing a pill which could be used to help people lose weight without them having to cut down what they eat.

The team at Aston University has found that a soluble protein called zinc alpha 2 glycoprotein (ZAG), which is found in most body fluids, can target fat but leaves muscles alone.

They say the protein is present in large quantities in some people who have cancer which causes their weight loss.

Professor Mike Tisdale from Aston University says the plan for the future is to turn ZAG into a tablet which can treat obesity.

The protein could also be used he says to treat diabetes because it lowers blood sugar levels.

Professor Tisdale says: "We are a little way off a clinical trial now.

"Our long term plan is to develop a suitable delivery method, perhaps a tablet, that will enable us to turn ZAG protein into a commercial treatment for obesity."