MIT Researchers Wage War on Obesity Using Nanoparticles

We’ve all had those few extra bits of fat we’ve wanted to burn away. Be it in our arms, legs or maybe in several different places dieting and exercise has various results, and often results in the weight returning like a boomerang before you can truly enjoy the hard work of your labour. Now researchers at MIT and Brigham and Women’s Hospital have developed a way to potentially help people who are constantly battling obesity with the creation of fat-fighting nanoparticles.

The new fat-fighting treatment has shown promise by helping a batch of overweight mice lose 10% of their body weight over just 25 days with no negative side effects. The drug in question works by transforming white adipose tissue, the kind of cells that store fat, into brown adipose tissue, the kind that burns fat.

While not new the drugs are being administered in a new fashion, with the help of nanoparticles that are targeted to those uniquely found in adipose tissue. By targeting the drugs through the use of nanoparticles and the intravenous delivery mechanism used, the risks associated with the drug are typically removed, offering the users a safer experience both during the treatment and in their lifestyle afterwards.  While not FDA approved, the drugs could be promising to those who suffer from diabetes and other illnesses which have a high correlation with high concentrations of fat.