Brain Enzyme Inhibition Shows Promise for Obesity Treatment

Targeting the enzyme ABHD6 in the brain reduced food motivation and increased physical activity in mice without mood-related side effects.

Researchers at the University of Montreal found that inhibiting the enzyme ABHD6 in the brain's nucleus accumbens reduced food-seeking behavior and increased exercise in mice.
The study demonstrated that blocking ABHD6 protected mice from weight gain and obesity, even on a high-fat diet.
Unlike earlier weight-loss drugs, this approach showed no signs of anxiety or depressive behavior in animal models.
The findings could pave the way for safer therapies to address obesity and related metabolic disorders like type 2 diabetes, though human studies are needed.
The ability to target specific brain pathways highlights the potential for precise treatments, but outcomes may vary depending on the targeted brain region.