In the report, researchers describe a discovery that may allow some obese people avoid common obesity-related metabolic problems without actually losing weight: they make a common antioxidant, melanin, in excess. Even more promising is that some of the antioxidant drugs that can mimic the melanin effect are FDA-approved and available. This availability would greatly speed the development of new treatments, should they prove effective in clinical trials.

The researchers made the unexpected discovery--fat cells in obese people produce melanin in excess--when they were comparing fat cells of obese people to those of people with normal weight. After the comparison, they found that the gene responsible for making melanin was working in "overdrive" in the fat cells of obese people. The finding was then confirmed using additional laboratory tests. Melanin is a common antioxidant responsible for skin and eye color.

Ancha Baranova, one of the study's researchers from George Mason University and INOVA Fairfax Hospital says, "Most scientific efforts aim at making obese individuals lose weight, but this has proven difficult. Hopefully, this study will lead to a drug that keeps obese individuals healthy, reducing the cost-burden to society as well as some of the stigma associated with this condition."

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the prevalence of obesity in 2005� was about 1 in 3 for men and women. Obesity increases the risk of diseases and health conditions, such as high blood pressure, osteoarthritis, dyslipidemia, Type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, stroke, gallbladder disease, sleep apnea and respiratory problems, and some cancers.

"No pill can replace a healthy diet and exercise, yet," said Gerald Weissmann, MD, Editor-in-Chief of The FASEB Journal, "but this could be a major advance for physicians looking for a safe drug target in their search to keep obese patients healthy while their weight becomes normal."

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If you have chest pain or a feeling of chest pressure, you should seek immediate medical attention, regardless of what diabetes medicines you are taking. If you take Avandia tell your doctor right away if you: have swollen legs or ankles, a rapid increase in weight or difficulty breathing, or unusual tiredness; experience changes in vision; become pregnant.

Before taking Avandia, review your medical history and tell your doctor if you:

Have heart failure or other heart problems, or are on any medicines for high blood pressure, high cholesterol or heart failure, or for prevention of heart disease or stroke. Take insulin or nitrate medicines. Have a type of diabetic eye disease called macular edema. Have liver problems or had liver problems while taking REZULIN (troglitazone). Are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed.

Women taking Avandia should know that Avandia may increase the risk of pregnancy. More fractures have been observed in women taking Avandia. Other possible side effects of Avandia include anemia and hypoglycemia. Your doctor should do blood tests to check your liver before you start Avandia and during treatment as needed.

For more information about Avandia, please see Medication Guide. For further information on Avandia, please see full Prescribing Information at www.avandia.

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