Scientists have discovered a natural protein which might help the body get rid of fat, while suppressing the appetite. They have discovered that the protein called ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) increases the body's ability to burn fat, through influencing the muscles, thus helping the body protect itself against obesity. Apparently, CNTF activates an enzyme which boosts the body's ability to metabolize fat and sugar, similar to the effects of exercises. "While hormones such as leptin were initially thought to be the cure-all for weight loss, they were later found to be ineffective in obesity due to the presence of proteins which inhibit their ability to stimulate fat metabolism. Fortunately, CNTF's effects on fat burning are maintained," said research leader Dr. Greg Steinberg of the University of Melbourne. These recent findings may prove useful in developing new ways of reducing the risk of metabolic abnormalities associated with excess weight. Still, the study might not lead to the development of a new drug, scientists say, but it presents us with a new way to fight obesity with medication. "We know that there is another pathway in the body that can be manipulated to combat obesity. What would be of great interest would be to find some other molecule that could enable the reaction of CNTF," asserted Joshua Hare, a cardiac researcher at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine.