Obesity is one of the major public health concerns given that it can lead to the development of complications such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and other comorbidities. 

 

 

According to WHO, the prevalence of obesity has doubled since 1980.  It was estimated that over 1.9 billion adults were overweight and of these over 600 million were obese. In 2014, nearly 41 million children under the age of 5 were obese. Despite progress in scientific discovery related to obesity, no particular therapeutic approach offers obesity cure. 

 

We have explored the different obesity treatment modalities, with emphasis on the recent advancements. 

 

1. Beta-LGND2 – A new molecule to help fight obesity

 

A new approach to combat obesity is just around the corner. A study discovered that activation of a chemical in the body helps treat obesity and other metabolic disorders. The study reveals that activation of a chemical called beta-LGND2 using oestrogen receptor-beta improves the metabolic rate and this novel approach involves converting white fat into brown fat. Brown fat is considered to be a healthy fat which helps in losing weight and hence fights obesity. Thus, the study highlights the new role of beta-LGND2 in reducing weight gain and adiposity. However, further research is required to obtain a concrete conclusion.

 

2. A promising ‘exercise pill’ to counter obesity 

 

Experts say that a pill can reduce weight gain and treat obesity. It is considered that people with more myostatin, potent protein that inhibits skeletal muscle mass growth, have less muscle mass and more body fat. And, people with less myostatin have more muscle mass and less body fat. A study suggests that suppression of myostatin enhances the growth of muscle mass and thus improves kidney and heart health. With this study, the day is no far where a pill is used to mimic the effects of exercise and fights obesity. 

 

3. Setmelanotide- A weight loss medication

 

A new drug spurred significant reduction of weight in patients with a rare genetic disorder that can lead to severe obesity causing constant hunger. A mutation of a gene that encodes a protein called proopiomelanocortin (POMC) leads to this rare genetic disorder. The deficiency of POMC may result in the lack of a hormone called, melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH) which results in constant hunger. 

 

In a new study, researchers tested a compound called setmelanotide in few patients. The study revealed that the drug activates a receptor on body cell which is turned on by the MSH. Thus, the drug acts as the replacement of MSH and hence reestablishes weight and hunger control. 

 

4. Discovery of a plant extract led to novel obesity treatment 

 

Phillyrin is a glucoside that might be a new treatment modality for managing obesity.  A recent study suggests that phillyrin can be a new approach for prevention of obesity. The extract reduces the body weight by attenuating PPAR-ANGPTL4 (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor beta/delta (PPAR<beta>/<delta>)-angiopoietin-like protein 4) pathway. 

 

5. A medical device can be a new paradigm for treating obesity

 

A novel device offers a new approach to treating obesity by cutting the calories. The device consists of a thin tube which is implanted in the stomach and then connected to a port on the skin of the belly. Thirty minutes after a meal, the outer port of the tube is attached to a device which drains about half of the food into the toilet. Thus, the method removes half of the stored food before it begins to cause weight gain. 

 

6. New progress towards finding best therapy for obesity treatment

 

Despite the positive results of various bariatric surgeries, the eligibility criteria for the surgery pose a problem. New studies reveal that the endoscopic bariatric therapies are potentially bridging the gap between current obesity management. Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty is the different procedure that alters the gastric physiology and promotes weight loss. The study revealed that the surgery was well tolerated and requires one or two days to resume a healthy lifestyle.

 

7. Targeted nanoparticles could pave the way for obesity management

 

Obesity is related to the proliferation of white adipose tissue which primarily stores energy. The function of brown adipose tissue is to generate heat through energy expenditure. Switching from WAT to BAT could be a hopeful attempt for successful management of obesity. A new study found that a nanoparticle can transform WAT to BAT promoting the weight loss. In the study, the nanoparticle platforms are used to deliver the drug to adipose tissue so as to facilitate the transformation. It was found that the targeted nanoparticles showed powerful anti-obesity effects than the vehicle. 

 

8. Novel use of existing drug for obesity treatment 

 

Montmorillonite, a dietary lipid adsorbent, belongs to the class of prebiotics which is used to treat diarrhoea. A recent study found that this dietary lipid adsorbent controls the intestinal absorption and the gut microbiota to prevent complications associated with obesity. Also, the drug immobilises the free fatty acids and endotoxins in the GI tract through adsorption – excretion axis. Thus, montmorillonite can restore the healthy intestinal microbiota composition and helps prevent obesity and its complications.

 

9. A dietary molecule could be a game changer in treating obesity

 

Myrecetin, a plant-derived flavonoid, is recognised for its anti-obesity effect by inducing lipogenesis in adipocytes. A study reveals that this flavonoid significantly reduced the body weight and increased the energy expenditure. The underlying mechanism includes an increase in adenopectin gene expression in brown adipose tissue. The results of the study shed light upon the obesity prevention and also systemic insulin resistance. 

 

10. Vagal nerve blockade- a reversible and compatible treatment for obesity

 

Despite the conventional treatments such as diet, exercise, medications, and surgeries, still, the obesity cure is far from complete. As part of the novel discoveries in obesity treatment, vagal nerve blockade is considered to be a safe and reversible treatment for obesity. For the obese patients who do not prefer bariatric surgery, this alternative may help them restore healthy body weight. 

 

The vagal nerve blockade is achieved using a device that consists of two units- a rechargeable electrical impulse generator and wire leads. The wire leads and electrodes are implanted in the abdomen. The device delivers the electrical impulse to the abdominal vagus nerve which helps control the feeling of hunger. Thus, the method is considered to be the first effective weight loss system targeting the pathway between the brain and the stomach. 

 

Because of the complexity of managing obesity, it is one of the severe health issues encountered worldwide. However, the attempt of the researchers to discover new therapeutic strategies will help combat the growing obesity epidemic confronted by the world today.