Yale University researchers found a specific subclass of brain receptors which influences nicotine's ability in reducing appetite in rodents.
The lab study carried out on mice showed that a nicotine-like drug, cytisine, specifically activates nicotinic receptors in a part of brain known as hypothalamus that controls appetite.
The attachment of nicotinic molecules or any compound mimicking them to these receptors enhances the activity of pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons, which affects obesity in humans and animals.
"We found that nicotine reduced eating and body fat through receptors implicated in nicotine aversion and withdrawal rather than reward and reinforcement," said lead author Marina Picciotto, whose study was published in the journal Science.
"Many people say they won't quit smoking because they'll gain weight. Ultimately, we would like to help people maintain their body weight when they kick the habit and perhaps help non-smokers who are struggling with obesity," she added.
Moreover, the effect of smoking on appetite contributes to the deadly habit of smoking in some people especially young women despite its several proven health risks.
Scientists hope their findings may also lead to the development of safe and effective medications for controlling appetite and obesity.
Well it makes me wonder when the big pharmas are going to come out with a new drug from this for obesity.Then they could fill their coffers a little fuller.After all America is allegedly a overweight country.Then everybody would look more the same.We could become a country of 150 pound people that would make the Party leaders happy,they could say look what we have done for you,we have saved your life,you should be thankful for our intervention into your life.
Then they will continue on with more control into our lives.