Enzyme that 'stops sugar being stored as fat' is identified by scientists

"They have discovered an enzyme that can 'zap' excess sugar from the body, preventing it from being stored as fat.

The 'detox' enzyme also stops the body's cells being poisoned by chemicals produced when the body's cells are overloaded with sugar.

Research by scientists at the University of Montreal Hospital Research Centre shows the hormone G3PP could offer hope for a treatment for obesity.

And they said diabetics who are unable to remove sugar from their bodies, may also benefit.

When there is too much sugar in the body – cells form a chemical called glycerol-3-phosphate, which can damage bodily organs.

Dr Marc Prentki, one of the researchers leading the study, said: 'We found that G3PP is able to breakdown a great proportion of this excess glycerol phosphate to glycerol and divert it outside the cell, thus protecting the insulin producing beta cells of pancreas and various organs from toxic effects of high glucose levels.'"

If this enzyme can be artificially controlled, it could someday lead to the elimination of obesity, diabetes, and related health issues.

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