The future of weight loss: A 'marijuana' diet pill?

Limiting a pot-like brain compound that regulates metabolism allows genetically altered mice to stay skinny without exercising. Is a dream pill far behind?

Shedding pounds without breaking a sweat? That could be our future thanks to a recent scientific breakthrough.
(Image credit: didi/amanaimages/Corbis)

If you find the prospect of staying thin while eating as much as you want appealing, scientists have news for you. New research from the University of California, Irvine — detailed in the March issue of Cell Metabolism — found that certain brain chemicals with characteristics similar to marijuana might play a key factor in helping you shed pounds without any exercise. A dream come true? Here's a brief look at the promising discovery:

What chemical could have such power?

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