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CNN Live At Daybreak

Australian Researchers Invent New Pill for Losing Weight

Aired February 07, 2002 - 06:57   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: It sounds too good to be true, a pill that helps overweight people become slimmer without eating less or even exercising. A research team in Australia claims to have invented just such a pill.

Helen Wright of ITV News has details.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

HELEN WRIGHT, ITV NEWS: The weight reducing properties of this new drug were discovered during Australian research into diabetes, an illness often caused by obesity. Twenty-two obese men were given weekly injections of the drug and scientists found they lost up to two kilograms a month without dieting. They now plan further tests.

DR. FRANK NG, MONASH UNIVERSITY AUSTRALIA: Of course we're going to do more systematic trial later on and look at how much fat they reduce and how quick they reduce.

WRIGHT: Researchers say their drug mimics human growth hormones, speeding up a patient's metabolism, breaking down fat and preventing more building up.

(on camera): The idea of a pill that breaks down fat sounds like every dieters dream come true. But experts here say on its own the fat-busting drug is no substitute for a healthy diet and plenty of exercise.

(voice-over): One nutritionist told me diet and exercise could produce double the weight loss the researchers saw.

DR. SARAH SCHENKER, NUTRITIONIST: They're quoting two kilograms a month, and I think through a combination of healthy eating and increased physical exercise, you could probably double that to four kilograms a month.

WRIGHT: The drug could be available to obese patients on prescription within four years if new tests this April prove successful.

Helen Wright, ITV News.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

COSTELLO: And we will keep you ever informed.

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