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Scientists at Georgetown University in Washington D.C. have made a discovery while observing mice that could lead to anther treatment for obesity.  It has been noticed that mice placed in a stressful environment were more likely to gain weight than mice in a calm environment, even although the calorific intake of the two groups was identical. Not only were the stressed mice fatter, they also displayed other characteristics of obesity, such as glucose intolerance, high blood pressure, inflammation of the blood vessels and fat in their livers and muscles.

The physical effects of the stress were caused by the production of a naturally occurring chemical which can activate and deactivate cells in fat tissue.  When this chemical, neuropeptide Y2 receptor, was blocked by the injection of a Y2 receptor antagonist, the mice lost 40% of their belly fat.

The scientists behind the study have emphasised that they do not believe that the drug could be used for gross obesity but it is likely to have applications for body reshaping by plastic surgeons.