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04/09/2003
‘Full’ hormone could be key to slimming
There is hope that important hormone messengers, which tell the brain when to stop eating, could provide the key to produce a new slimming treatment.
Researchers from the UK have discovered that obese people tend to have lower levels of a hormone fragment PYY3-36, which is known to be an important chemical messenger that tells the body to stop eating.
Comparing the discovery to that of insulin, Professor Stephen Bloom of Imperial College London, a co-author of the research paper, said that it was the first time in over 20 years that a natural compound had been identified with such potential for a medical application.
The research team from Imperial College and Hammersmith in London found that a sample of both fat and thin volunteers who were given an intravenous infusion of PYY3-36 felt less hungry and eat less in the day they received the infusion, than those in a control group given a saline placebo.
However, medical experts have warned that this form of treatment, if it were to be licensed, would not be a substitute for a healthy balanced diet and exercise.
The chairman of the National Obesity Forum, Dr Ian Campbell, said that previous “breakthroughs” had raised hopes of better treatments for obesity, but that none had yet proven effective.
Previous obesity treatment claims made in 1997 focused on leptin - another naturally occurring substance in the human body that is known to play a role in signalling the quantity of fat stored in the body. For reasons not yet fully understood, obese people are more resistant to its potentially beneficial action.
(SP)
Researchers from the UK have discovered that obese people tend to have lower levels of a hormone fragment PYY3-36, which is known to be an important chemical messenger that tells the body to stop eating.
Comparing the discovery to that of insulin, Professor Stephen Bloom of Imperial College London, a co-author of the research paper, said that it was the first time in over 20 years that a natural compound had been identified with such potential for a medical application.
The research team from Imperial College and Hammersmith in London found that a sample of both fat and thin volunteers who were given an intravenous infusion of PYY3-36 felt less hungry and eat less in the day they received the infusion, than those in a control group given a saline placebo.
However, medical experts have warned that this form of treatment, if it were to be licensed, would not be a substitute for a healthy balanced diet and exercise.
The chairman of the National Obesity Forum, Dr Ian Campbell, said that previous “breakthroughs” had raised hopes of better treatments for obesity, but that none had yet proven effective.
Previous obesity treatment claims made in 1997 focused on leptin - another naturally occurring substance in the human body that is known to play a role in signalling the quantity of fat stored in the body. For reasons not yet fully understood, obese people are more resistant to its potentially beneficial action.
(SP)
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28 February 2006
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The government's target to halt the rise of child obesity by 2010 may not be met unless there is "clearer leadership", a report has warned. The incidence of childhood obesity increased from 9.6% in 1995 to 13.7% in 2003.
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30 January 2009
Pandemic Flu Drug Stockpiles Set To Double
The UK today awarded contracts to double emergency supplies of flu drugs to treat everyone who is predicted to fall ill in a pandemic, making the UK one of the most prepared countries in the world. The agreements with Roche and GlaxoSmithKline will double antiviral stockpiles, which are expected to be in place by April 2009.
Pandemic Flu Drug Stockpiles Set To Double
The UK today awarded contracts to double emergency supplies of flu drugs to treat everyone who is predicted to fall ill in a pandemic, making the UK one of the most prepared countries in the world. The agreements with Roche and GlaxoSmithKline will double antiviral stockpiles, which are expected to be in place by April 2009.
21 June 2006
Government announces funding for drug treatment services
Drug treatment services across the country will receive an extra £95.2 million this year, under new plans announced by the government. The Department of Health, supported by £22 million of funding from the Home Office, will provide Drug Action Teams with £394.6 million - an increase of over 30% from last year.
Government announces funding for drug treatment services
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07 January 2005
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Reid hails mobile treatment centres as success
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09 July 2003
Rise in crack users sent for treatment
More crack users are being targeted in custody and referred to drug treatment services, a new report published by the Home Office claims. The 'Arrest Referral' report shows that between October 2001 and September 2002, 12,014 crack users were interviewed, and of those 8,656 were referred to specialist drug treatment services - 18.
Rise in crack users sent for treatment
More crack users are being targeted in custody and referred to drug treatment services, a new report published by the Home Office claims. The 'Arrest Referral' report shows that between October 2001 and September 2002, 12,014 crack users were interviewed, and of those 8,656 were referred to specialist drug treatment services - 18.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
