Resveratrol-Based Drugs Might Protect Obese & Fight Aging

Here's some good news for obese and overweight people. A new drug that mimics resveratrol (the "red wine" antioxidant) appears to protect obese mice from common obesity-relate diseases and allow them to live up to 44% longer than untreated obese mice. The drug, called SRT-1720, seems to reduce the amount of fat build-up in the liver while increasing insulin sensitivity -- two very good things if you're very fat!

According to Dr. Rafael de Cabo, a gerontologist at the National Institute on Aging:

"[the findings] demonstrate for the first time the feasibility of designing novel molecules that are safe and effective in promoting longevity and preventing multiple age-related diseases in mammals..."

Some experts worry that a drug that removes many of the health risks of being obese is dangerous. But, in practical terms, it could greatly improve the quality of life of overweight people and extend the life of everyone who takes it.

Sirtris, the small pharmaceutical company that created the drug, designed it to mimic the natural grape/fruit compound resveratrol. They're also developing several other drugs based on resveratrol's incredible health-protecting powers. Their research is based on evidence that consuming large amounts of resveratrol and resveratrol-like compounds can provide benefits similar to very-low-calorie diets... especially longer life.

SRT-1720 appears to be able to increase levels of a powerful protein substance called sirtuins in the body. And it takes much less SRT-1720 than natural resveratrol to get the same amount of sirtuin boost. Most importantly, it appears to have no signs of toxicity! Another drug in development -- called SRT-2104 -- may be even more powerful and, according to one researcher, more suitable for human consumption.

We say: There's little doubt that resveratrol is a powerful chemical with lots of health-boosting, anti-aging benefits. If these new resveratrol-based drugs really work with no dangerous side-effects that will be GREAT news for millions of overweight Americans and aging baby-boomers. But until then we'll stick with our red wine, red grapes, cheap resveratrol supplements, and healthy diet!

Learn some mo': Longer Lives for Obese Mice, With Hope for Humans of All Sizes