So a drug that blocks food intake might not have as big an effect on weight loss as anticipated because fewer calories would be burned. Dr. York said he thinks the real advance in appetite-suppressing drugs might come from those that interfere with a set of brain chemicals called opioids. These chemicals give the pleasurable sensation that comes from eating food. Many people take in extra calories for comfort, or to be sociable - say, at a party. In any case, preventing or treating weight gain will be difficult, given today's environment and people's biological makeup, Dr. Ravussin said.
Most people have little protection against putting on pounds.
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