Emerging research suggests that gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) could revolutionize weight loss by selectively targeting fat tissue while preserving muscle mass. Unlike conventional weight-loss drugs, these nanoparticles offer additional health benefits, such as anti-inflammatory effects and improved blood glucose levels.
Scientists from Alexandria University in Egypt have expanded on previous findings, demonstrating that weekly doses of AuNPs could lead to significant fat reduction—potentially surpassing the effects of GLP-1 medications. What sets this treatment apart is its ability to preserve muscle mass, a concern commonly associated with existing weight-loss drugs.
The results are striking: over nine weeks, obese rats treated with high weekly doses of AuNPs experienced an average of 36% fat loss, far exceeding the 10-20% body weight reduction typically seen with GLP-1 drugs, where up to 20% of the loss can be attributed to muscle degradation. However, it is important to note that these findings are currently limited to animal studies, though they mark a significant step toward future human trials.
In the study, researchers tested different doses of AuNPs against a control group and orlistat (brand name Xenical), a commonly used weight-loss medication. Over the course of the trial, bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) was used to measure body composition, assessing fat mass, fat-free mass, and total body water. The high-dose AuNP group showed a 36% fat reduction, outperforming both the daily high-dose group (33%) and orlistat (18%)—a result that was nearly twice as effective.
“BIA and dissection measurements of body composition showed that high doses of AuNPs treatment significantly lowered body fat and improved fat-free mass, making it a potential alternative to current obesity treatments,” the researchers noted. They further highlighted that while orlistat helps reduce obesity-related weight gain, AuNPs provide a more effective approach due to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and their ability to accumulate in fat tissues.
Current obesity treatments, including GLP-1 medications like Wegovy and Ozempic, have received widespread attention, but they function differently from AuNPs. While GLP-1 drugs regulate appetite and insulin sensitivity, orlistat blocks fat absorption. Though less effective over time, orlistat remains a cost-effective alternative for those who experience side effects from GLP-1 treatments. While AuNPs have not yet been directly compared to GLP-1 drugs, their muscle-protecting properties suggest they could serve as a complementary treatment rather than a direct competitor.
The potential of gold nanoparticles in medicine has been a topic of growing interest, particularly in cancer therapy and drug delivery. However, the transition to human obesity trials remains uncertain, largely due to unanswered questions about their long-term safety and potential toxicity.
“Since an estimated 60% of the world’s population may be overweight or obese by 2030, we urgently need innovative therapies for obesity,” the researchers emphasized.
“Although AuNPs show promise as an obesity treatment, more research is required to decide whether these particles pose a risk to human organs.”
The findings were published in the journal Science Reports.
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