Researchers have discovered what may be the 'golden egg' - a molecule in our own gut that can be administered to control appetite.

There's a variety of hormones that regulate hunger, metabolism and fat storage, but Insulin-like Peptide 5 has the benefit of being effective in increasing or decreasing appetite from directly inside the colon, where the signals are relayed to the brain.

The breakthrough comes from a collaboration between Melbourne's Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health and Cambridge University, who, with funding and research support from a Japanese pharmaceutical company, have not only identified the purpose of this peptide but also synthesised a version of it that could be patented.

In a world obsessed with weight gain and loss the potential is extraordinary - appetite suppression in the obese, and those suffering from Type 2 Diabetes, appetite increases for cancer and HIV patients, and for people dealing with eating disorders like anorexia nervosa.

The Florey Institute estimates clinical trials and potential regulatory approval mean the treatment is still three to five years away from being on the market.

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