Australian researchers say they have made giant steps in the fight against obesity by developing a drug which shuts down two of the human body's fat-building pathways.
Scientists from Deakin University in Geelong found the two pathways, activated by cannabis and vitamin A, could be jammed which prevented weight gain.
The laboratory findings, which are yet to be trialled, were published on Thursday in the journal Endocrinology.
"We found that blocking both pathways has the potential to treat obesity in a safer and more effective way than shutting down each independently," lead researcher Dr Yann Gibert told News Limited.
The active ingredient in the drug marijuana tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is well known for causing excessive hunger, but it also plays a key role in the build up of fat as part of the endocannabinoid system.
Animal testing will now take place to determine the effectiveness of the medication.
"We do not know yet whether it can reverse the build-up of fat or block it," Gibert said.
"That will be a key question for the next stage of the research. "
Since 1980, global obesity has more than doubled, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).
In 2014, WHO estimated more than 1.9 billion adults over 18 years old, were overweight. Another 600 million were classed as obese, with a Body Mass Index reading of 30 or more.
Within the research findings, Gibert said the discovery could form part of the creation of an "obesity super drug" in the future.
"The magic pill for obesity may exist, but I don't think it will ever involve just one compound, it will be a combination drug, " Gibert said.
