An experiment reducing the level of a chemical in rats’ brains offers a promising strategy for new obesity drugs.

New research on rats suggests that restoring the levels of fatty acid in a special region of the brain might treat obesity, a growing worldwide health concern.

In a study published online Sunday in the journal Nature Neuroscience, scientists from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York City effectively removed a key compound found in the hypothalamus both of rats and people.

Among many other tasks, the hypothalamus regulates metabolism and the urge to nibble, using information about the body’s state that comes from hormones and nutrients.

Find out more about a study on a possible new diet drug at http://www.redherring.com.