[thedoc (OP)]

Milad Makram asked the Naked Scientists:
   
I was thinking about losing weight the other day and remembered that some people find it easier to lose weight/burn calories than others (even without much exercise). These people seem to have High Metabolism.

My question is, can we not extract/create the gene/chemical/signal etc. that causes high metabolism in humans and use it as a natural treatment/aid for those who need to lose weight or suffer from weight issues?

Love the show
Milad

What do you think?

[RD]

Eating-less and/or exercising-more would be a more practical solution than inflicting an inefficient metabolism on an otherwise healthy (but overweight) person.

[CliffordK]

One of the classic weight loss medications is "speed", or amphetamines.  It is no longer being used due to serious side effects as well as abuse potential. 

I wouldn't suggest it, but smoking and presumably nicotine stimulation has also been associated with weight loss.

Most non-stimulant weight loss meds have marginal efficacy.  No doubt that future meds will target satiation, although some people have a tendency to nibble without being either hungry or full.

I agree with RD that diet and exercise are important.

I believe some foods stimulate hunger while others give a feeling of satiation with lower absorbed calories.  For example, my body readily converts starches to fat.  However, when eating whole blackberries, the seeds are not metabolized, and the seeds along with dietary fiber help make one feel full.

[evan_au]

There are indications that people put on less weight if their intestinal bacterial population is better at digesting the food.