Pitt Study Could Lead to New Way to Lose Weight

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A new study at the University of Pittsburgh has found that a specific drug called HDAC6 inhibitor can help overweight mice lose up to 50% of their body fat without losing any muscle mass. Researchers say this could lead to a new way to tackle weight loss that doesn't have the common side effect of muscle loss seen in some current obesity drugs.

Why it matters

Existing obesity drugs often result in the loss of muscle mass in addition to fat, which can be problematic. This new approach using HDAC6 inhibitors could provide a way to lose weight more selectively and retain important muscle tissue.

The details

In the study, researchers found that the HDAC6 inhibitor drug was able to work with two enzymes that control eating behavior, leading to significant fat loss in the overweight mice without any accompanying muscle loss. The inhibitors are currently being used in clinical trials to treat other medical issues like neurodegenerative diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and muscular dystrophy, but have not yet been approved for weight loss purposes.

• The study was conducted at the University of Pittsburgh in 2026.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The HDAC6 inhibitor drugs used in the study are currently in clinical trials for other medical conditions, but will require further research and testing before they can be approved for weight loss purposes.