USU researchers try 'tricking' body into losing weight

Dieting may become a thing of the past thanks to Utah State University researchers who are in the beginning stages of developing a scientific approach to fooling the body into eating less.

This new research can potentially trick the body into thinking it's not hungry by suppressing the appetite. This is done by using microscopic structures called nanoparticles, says Tim Gilbertson, USU associate biology professor.

"It's a diet, but maybe you could call it a hidden diet," Gilbertson said. "It's a simple approach."

Nanoparticles are made up of the same lipid molecules that are found in the cells of the body. These nanoparticles are fabricated in a laboratory and once inside the body, can be directed toward certain fat cells in the body, in this case, the intestines.
Nanoparticles are also being used to fight certain cancers such as breast cancer. That is where USU researchers got the idea to use them to prevent obesity.

Once inside the cell, a person will be satisfied with eating smaller amounts of food during a meal because the nanoparticles have replaced what would have essentially been more fat in the cells.

"We're trying to fool receptors into thinking they have fat when they don't," Gilbertson said.

Bhavik Shah, a graduate student from Baroda, India, has been working for about a year and a half on finding a way to deliver these nanoparticles to the desired cells that are involved in the control of appetite.

Because these cell receptors are all over the body, including the cardiovascular areas, it could cause further problems. As a solution, Shah is trying to make it so the nanoparticles can differentiate between different cells and target only those found in the intestines.

USU researchers try 'tricking' body into losing weight