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New weight-loss compound may burn fat without muscle loss: Study
NewsNation • • health
Key Points:
- Researchers at UC Berkeley have identified a new compound, TOFA, that may help burn fat without causing muscle loss, a common issue with weight-loss drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Zepbound.
- TOFA works by boosting metabolism and blocking enzymes involved in fat and cholesterol production, unlike GLP-1 drugs that primarily suppress appetite.
- In mouse studies, TOFA increased energy expenditure by up to 18% without reducing food intake or increasing exercise.
- Muscle loss is a significant concern with GLP-1 medications because it can weaken individuals and hinder long-term weight maintenance; some studies report up to 20% lean muscle loss.
- Researchers see TOFA as a potential complementary treatment to GLP-1 drugs, with animal studies showing enhanced weight loss when combined, though human testing has not yet begun.
