2007年VOA标准英语-Diabetes Drug May Help Curb Binge Eating
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By Melinda SmithWashington, D.C.
12 June 2007
Obesity1 is a worldwide problem. Researchers have still not come up with the perfect diet or pill to help those who need to lose weight keep it off. The latest drug to show some promise is a synthetic2 hormone3 that helps curb4 the urge to eat high fat foods. But as VOA's Melinda Smith learned, it has its own set of problems.
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| 680 calories is almost one fifth of a pound, which is equal to 3,500 calories. |
Actually, all humans have a natural hormone produced by cells in the pancreas, which helps make insulin. The hormone is called amylin. It is thought to signal the brain that we are full. Now researchers have developed a synthetic version of amylin. It is called pramlintide. The drug has been used to treat diabetes5 and control blood sugar, but its manufacturer, Amylin Pharmaceuticals6, hopes to develop it for obesity.
In a research study, one group of overweight people was given pramlintide. The other group was not. Neither group made lifestyle changes or varied7 their normal exercise routine. Those who received the drug in an injection 15 minutes before a meal ate 680 calories less than those who were given a placebo8 shot.
At one point in the study, both groups were given what was called the "fast food challenge" - pizza, ice cream, sugary drinks. Those on pramlintide consumed considerably9 less of the rich foods than the others. They lost an average of two kilograms, compared to those on the placebo who maintained their weight.
Some health experts are skeptical10 about the benefits of pramlintide. The study was too short, they say, and the weight loss was not enough.
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| Healthier food in lower portions can help people lose weight |
But the news was discouraging for those in the group who regained11. Those people needed to lose the most.
Keeping those unwanted pounds or kilos off takes discipline. It also means maintaining an exercise schedule, choosing a diet that is convenient for you and stepping on the scale regularly to keep yourself honest.
