Researchers manipulating fat cells in mice scientists in Melbourne were able to speed up metabolism of a person. When scientists removed an enzyme known as angiotensin converting enzyme, or ACE, the mice were able to eat the same amount as others but they burned more calories and gained less weight.
The mice in which the enzyme was removed weighed 20 percent lighter than normal mice and had up to 60 percent less body fat.
High blood pressure is often treated with drugs called ACE inhibitors, which block the enzyme which was removed from the mice.
Researchers believe the breakthrough, achieved by Michael Mathai of the Howard Florey Institute, could pave the way for fat-burning drugs and also help to combat diabetes.
ACE "seems to increase fat storage and the creation of new fat cells," said Mathai, according to Fox News.
He added that ACE inhibitors might therefore help people lose weight.
"If successful this would be the first drug to do what so far only exercise can do - speed up your metabolism," Mathai said. The study is published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
