New Drug Burns Fat, Keeps Muscle in UC Berkeley Study

Scientists may have found a way to help people lose weight without losing muscle, a common problem with today's popular weight loss medications.

Researchers at UC Berkeley discovered that a compound called TOFA helps the body burn more energy rather than just eating less. In mice studies published in Science Advances, the treatment improved blood sugar control and reduced fatty liver disease while preserving lean muscle mass.

The finding addresses a major concern with GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy. While these medications work well for weight loss, they suppress appetite so much that some people experience muscle loss, nutritional deficiencies, and unpleasant stomach problems.

TOFA takes a different approach. It blocks fat production in the body while simultaneously activating genes that help cells burn fat for energy. Think of it as turning up your metabolism instead of turning down your appetite.

In the experiments, obese mice taking TOFA burned up to 18 percent more energy without exercising more or running hotter body temperatures. They lost weight from fat tissue but kept their muscle intact.

Professor Anders Näär, who led the study, explained the difference simply. "Body weight responds to two levers: taking in fewer calories, or spending more energy. GLP-1s work almost entirely on the first, so we went after the second."

The research team found something even more promising. When they combined TOFA with existing GLP-1 medications, the results improved beyond what either treatment achieved alone. Mice showed better weight loss, blood sugar control, and healthier triglyceride levels.

TOFA isn't entirely new. Scientists discovered it in the 1970s, but previous attempts to use similar compounds failed because they raised triglyceride levels, posing heart risks. The Berkeley team found that TOFA's dual action prevents this problem.

The Bright Side

This discovery opens doors for people who struggle with current weight loss treatments. Some patients can't tolerate GLP-1 side effects. Others worry about losing muscle mass as they age, when maintaining strength becomes crucial for staying active and independent.

The compound could offer options for personalized treatment. Some people might use TOFA alone, while others could combine it with existing medications for better results.

The research team has already founded ReRx Therapeutics to move this work toward human trials. They received support from UC Berkeley's entrepreneurship programs to help bring the treatment to patients.

Important context: TOFA has only been tested in animals so far. Human trials will need to confirm whether the compound works as well in people and remains safe for long-term use.

Still, the science offers genuine hope for better metabolic health treatments that work with our bodies instead of just restricting what we eat.