The reasons we gain weight are complex, and involve more than just dieting and exercise. It seems some people eat until they drop yet stay slim, while others put on weight very easily. Experts are finding that genetic factors play a large role in weight gain.
This makes developing effective slimming techniques a bit more difficult. Any weight loss technique that is highly effective and long-lasting must attack the root cause of obesity. This means that a technique that works wonders for me may not work for you.
However, there are some interesting developments in the world of slimming, as companies continue to pour millions of pounds into researching slimming approaches.
Xalia.
This drug works by tricking the body’s metabolism into staying active, which leads to an average weight loss of 12% per year. For many skinny people, there is usually an initial weight loss followed by weight gain. One reason for this is that the body slows its metabolism, which means you’re using fewer calories and have to work harder to keep the weight off. Axalia helps the hypothalamus keep the metabolism revved up, and also boosts a hormone that keeps us from feeling hungry. The pill is said to work faster and better than existing drugs.
Gut hormone – oxyntomodulin.
It is a naturally occurring hormone. This hormone tells us that we are full after eating, but obese people have less of it. The idea is to trick the gut into sending an “I’m full” signal to the brain, so that you stop eating sooner.
In studies, participants taking oxyntomodulin had a lower appetite, but did not notice any change in their enjoyment of food. On average, they lost 2.3 kg (5 lb) over four weeks, compared to 0.5 kg (1 lb) for those given the dummy treatment. This drug may be available in the market within 4 years.
Free Electron Laser: Fat-Zapping Laser.
According to Dr. Anderson at Harvard Medical School, some people will always have pads of fat (on the thighs, etc.) no matter how much they exercise or eat. It’s all in the genetics. Genetics control where and how we store fat.
Currently excess fat can be removed by liposuction. It is aggressive and can cause wound infections. A promising approach is to use a laser to destroy all or some of the fat without breaking the skin. Scientists using a free-electron laser were able to demonstrate selective heating-up of fat without damaging the overlying skin. Once heated, the fat can be broken down, and excreted from the body.
This laser technology has only been tested on animals, but has shown promising results. More needs to be done to see if it works as well on humans and how long the effects last, and certainly if they are any long-term side effects.
Incidentally, the free electron laser can also be used to treat acne.
Electrical treatment.
Another method is to use electricity to trick the stomach into thinking you are full. Nerve messages carried by the vagus nerve play an important role in the regulation of ingestion, digestion, and satiety.
The idea is to use a neuroregulator that delivers very high-frequency, low-energy electrical pulses that completely block nerve transmission along the vagus nerve. VBLOC (Vagal Blocking for Obesity Control) is inserted into the abdomen, and blocks the vagus nerve that connects the brain and stomach.
The device prevents the stomach from increasing in size when you eat and prevents it from emptying too quickly. Result? You fill up faster and last longer. The device is still under development at the Mayo Clinic. The expectations are that you will be able to lose at least 10-15% of the weight you would achieve with weight loss drugs.
Incision-less surgery.
Currently, one of the most effective options for losing weight is abdominal reduction surgery. The drawback of surgery is that, because it is a wound, there are always risks involved. Incisional surgery offers promise as a way to reduce the size of the abdomen without any incisions.
With NOTES (Natural Orifice Trans Endoscopic Surgery), an endoscope can be inserted through the mouth and down into the stomach. There it is stapled or stitched to make the abdomen smaller. Using this technology it is possible for someone to leave the hospital on the same day. The entire procedure could be done without anesthesia.
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Source by Paul Katsande
