Scientists at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore have created a natural weight-loss agent that prevents the absorption of dietary fats. The results of the study are published in Pharmacological Research (PhRes).

Unlike other weight-loss drugs on the market, the new compounds are modeled after naturally occurring substances. They are based on fatty acid esters and hydroxy fatty acids, known as FAHFA. These naturally occurring lipids are present in small amounts in the human body and in foods.

Naturally occurring FAHFA are known to have beneficial effects on metabolism, but their concentrations are very low, and they are easily broken down in the digestive system, which limits their practical use. The team addressed this problem by developing GI-stable natural FAHFA that retain their beneficial properties while being suitable for regular oral administration.

The scientists have already tested these compounds in animals. The new FAHFA effectively reduced fat absorption — the main source of dietary energy. According to the researchers, the body absorbs nine kcal from one gram of fat, roughly twice as much as from proteins or carbohydrates.

At the same time, the agent promoted the growth of beneficial gut bacteria that produce short-chain fatty acids. These compounds improve metabolism, reduce inflammation, and strengthen the gut barrier.

“In combination with diet control and physical activity, this approach could provide additional support in the fight against excess weight and reduce the burden on the liver. We are now working on assessing the safety and efficacy of the agent in humans,” the scientists concluded.