"Skinny" pill could stop obesity and diabetes

"Skinny" pill could stop obesity and diabetes

Author: AAP

Last Updated: 11-08-2015

Australian scientists have discovered the gene behind obesity and type 2 diabetes in steps toward preventing the disease.

Australian scientists have isolated the gene behind obesity and type 2 diabetes, which could lead to a "skinny" pill to prevent the disease.

Blocking the MNK gene could help stop weight gain and the development of full-blown type 2 diabetes, according to South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute experiments on mice.

Scientists hope this discovery could lead to the development of a drug blocking the MNK gene.

"That would help to avoid increased weight and especially to avoid the development of type 2 diabetes," nutrition and metabolism researcher Professor Chris Proud told AAP.