'Skinny' pill one step closer - research

Could a diet pill that works be on the way? Photo / iStock

Australian scientists have isolated the gene behind obesity and type 2 diabetes, which could lead to a "skinny" pill to prevent the disease.

Blocking the MNK gene could help stop weight gain and the development of full-blown type 2 diabetes, according to South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute experiments on mice.

Scientists hope this discovery could lead to the development of a drug blocking the MNK gene.

"That would help to avoid increased weight and especially to avoid the development of type 2 diabetes," nutrition and metabolism researcher Professor Chris Proud told AAP.

The MNK gene, found in the liver, muscles and fatty tissues, was isolated and blocked in mice, which did not gain much weight despite a high-fat diet.

Mice that did not have the gene blocked became overweight and showed signs of type 2 diabetes on the same diet.

Prof Proud said he believed the MNK gene worked similarly enough in mice and humans for a pill to have the same effect.

"The next step is to understand why this gene has this function, how it works and then to work with drug developers," he said.

- AAP