Scientists have developed an chemical injection that can remove unwanted fat without the use of surgery.

The technique could help to prevent the onset of obesity-linked illnesses such as diabetes and heart disease, as well as offer plastic surgeons a new tool for enhancing body parts.

Scientists from Georgetown University, in Washington, made the breakthrough while studying the effect of stress on weight gain. They found that mice in distressing situations put on more weight despite eating the same amount of calories as those in a stress-free environment.

Not only were the stressed mice much fatter, they began to exhibit the effects of obesity. They had the glucose intolerance seen in diabetes, elevated blood pressure, inflammation in the blood vessels, and fat in their livers and muscles.

Zofia Zukowska, who led the study, published in the journal Nature Medicine, said stressful situations such as “disagreements with your boss, taking care of a chronically ill child, or repeated traffic road rages” could amplify weight gain.

The findings were based on a naturally produced chemical that can activate and de- activate cells in fat tissue. The chemical, called neuropeptide Y2 receptor (Y2R), has long been linked to obesity. When the scientists injected the stressed mice with a drug that blocks Y2R, the mice lost 40 per cent of their belly fat.

Dr Zukowska said: “It had a profound effect on overall metabolism. We don’t think this is something that would be used for gross obesity but for reshaping the body . . . that would be all very good.

Stephen Baker, a professor of plastic surgery at Georgetown University Hospital, hailed the findings. “We don’t expect that a person will be able to eat everything he or she wants, chase it down with a blocking agent, and end up looking like a movie star. We are encouraged that these findings could improve human health.”

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